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1. Where was the first “two-plus-two” (2+2) 4. Government has mandated to enroll FASTag dialogue between and held? for toll payments on national highways, 1) Nagano, Japan 2) , India FASTag works under which technology? 3) Tokyo, Japan 4) New , India 1) Blue Light Technology (BLT) 5) None of these 2) Code Recognition Technology (CRF) Answer – 4) New Delhi, India 3) Radio-frequency identification (RFID) Explanation: 4) Image scanner 5) None of these On November 30, 2019 inaugural meeting of Answer – 3) Radio-frequency identification (RFID) India-Japan Foreign and Defence Ministerial Dialogue, Explanation: which is the “two-plus-two” (2+2) dialogue between India On November 29, 2019 the government has extended and Japan, was held in New Delhi. The dialogue was held the deadline for enrolling to the mandatory FASTag for with the aim of boosting bilateral security and defence toll payments on national highways to December 15, cooperation and is expected to strengthen “India-Japan 2019. The National Electronic Toll Collection (NETC) Special Strategic and Global Partnership”. programme, under MoRT&H, has been implemented on a 2. Exercise MITRA SHAKTI is associated with Pan-India basis of FASTag in ensuring seamless which countries? movement of traffic and collection of user fee as per the 1) India & Nepal 2) India & Sri Lanka notified rates, using passive radio frequency 3) India & 4) India & Russia identification (RFID) technology. 5) None of these 5. Where was the 7th edition of India-Sri Lanka Answer – 2) India & Sri Lanka joint Military & Army Exercise MITRA Explanation: SHAKTI–VII: 2019 held? On December 1, 2019, The 7th edition of India-Sri 1) Kochi, 2) , Lanka joint Military & Army Exercise MITRA 3) , 4) Chennai, SHAKTI–VII: 2019 has started at Aundh Military Station, Pune, Maharashtra with the aim to build and 5) None of these promote positive relations between the armies of India Answer – 2) Pune, Maharashtra and Sri Lanka. The exercise will be conducted for 14 days Explanation: upto 14 December 2019& will involve sharing and On December 1, 2019, The 7th edition of India-Sri learning from each others experiences. Lanka joint Military & Army Exercise MITRA 3. Which state celebrates the 20th edition of the SHAKTI–VII: 2019 has started at Aundh Military Hornbill festival? Station, Pune, Maharashtra with the aim to build and 1) 2) Tripura promote positive relations between the armies of India 3) Mizoram 4) Manipur and Sri Lanka. The exercise will be conducted for 14 days 5) None of these upto 14 December 2019& will involve sharing and learning from each others experiences. Answer – 1) Nagaland Explanation: 6. Name the first country in the world to make On 1st December 2019, the 20th edition of the Haj 2020 process completely digital? Hornbill festival began in Heritage Kisama, an 1) India 2) Amphitheatre in Kohima, Nagaland, it is also the 57th 3) Bangladesh 4) Russia Statehood Day of Nagaland. The festival is organized by 5) None of these Nagaland Government and is celebrated for the Answer – 1) India promotion of tourism and for the exhibition of the state’s Explanation: tradition and culture. 2

As per the Union Minister of Minority Affairs Shri 10) Where was the 8th edition of the joint training Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, India has become the 1st country exercise between India and named where the entire process of Haj 2020 has gone 100% “HAND-IN-HAND 2019” held? digital after he signed a bilateral agreement for the 1) Meghalaya 2) Mizoram pilgrimage with the Saudi Haj Minister Dr Mohammad 3) Assam 4) Maharashtra Saleh bin Taher Benten in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on 5) None of these December 1, 2019. Answer – 1) Meghalaya 7. Where was the Regional Conference on ‘Ek Explanation: Bharat Shreshta Bharat’ with focus on ‘Jal The 8th edition of the joint training exercise between Shakti and Disaster Management’ India and China named “HAND-IN-HAND 2019” for the inaugurated? year 2019 is to be held in Umroi, Meghalaya from 1) Kolkata 2) Mumbai December 7-20, 2019. The aim of this exercise is to 3) New Delhi 4) Jammu practice joint planning and conduct of counter-terrorist 5) None of these operation in the semi-urban terrain. Theme: The theme Answer – 4) Jammu for the exercise will be ’counter-terrorism under United Explanation: Nations mandate‘. On November 31, 2019, Dr Jitendra Singh, the 11. To which country, India has committed to Minister of State (MoS) for Personnel, Public Grievances provide Rs 4,500 crores for implementing and Pensions, has inaugurated the 2-day Regional development projects & Rs.400 crores for Conference on ‘Ek Bharat Shreshta Bharat’ with focus on transitional trade support facility? ‘Jal Shakti and Disaster Management’, organized by the 1) 2) Bhutan Department of Administrative Reforms and Public 3) Bangladesh 4) Nepal Grievances (DARPG) in association with Governments of 5) None of these Tamil Nadu and of Jammu & , 11. Answer – 2) Bhutan held in Jammu. Explanation: 8. Which state celebrates Konark festival? The Indian govt. has committed assistance of Rs 1) Mizoram 2) 4,500 crores for implementing development projects and 3) Assam 4) Meghalaya Rs.400 crores for transitional trade support facility 5) None of these during the Bhutan’s 12th Five Year Plan (2018 – 2023). Answer – 2) Odisha 51 large and intermediate projects and 359 Small Explanation: Development Projects (SDPs)/High Impact Community On December 1, 2019, Odisha Governor Ganeshi Lal Development Projects (HICPDs) are also at various has inaugurated the 5-day long 30th edition of Konark stages of implementation under the 12th Five Year Plan. festival, a showcase of Odisha’s art, culture and tradition 12) Name the Foreign Secretary of Bhutan, who has started in Odisha. The theme of the festival is based visited India recently? on eco-tourism, culture, Fairs, women empowerment, and 1) Kinga Singye 2) Tandi Dorji no to plastic and heritage. 3) Kinley Wangdi 4) Sonam Tobgay 9. Which two countries participate in the 8th 5) None of these joint training exercise ‘HAND-IN-HAND 2019’? Answer – 1) Kinga Singye 1) India & Russia 2) India & Japan Explanation: 3) India & China 4) India & United States On November 29, 2019, the 2nd annual 5) None of these India-Bhutan Development Cooperation Talks were held Answer – 3) India & China in New Delhi. It was conducted to boost cooperation Explanation: between both the nations in areas that need development The 8th edition of the joint training exercise between and also to review India’s development partnership with India and China named “HAND-IN-HAND 2019” for the Bhutan. The Indian delegation was led by secretary of year 2019 held from December 7-20, 2019. The aim of this Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) T. S Tirumurti.The exercise is to practice joint planning and conduct of delegation from Bhutan side was led by Mr. Kinga counter-terrorist operation in the semi-urban terrain. Singye, Foreign Secretary of Bhutan. Mrs Ruchira The theme for the exercise will be ’counter-terrorism Kamboj, Indian ambassador to the Royal Kingdom of under United Nations mandate‘. Bhutan was also present during the talks. 3

13) Under which mission, nationwide vaccination 16) Which state was ranked as the most corrupt drive that aims to immunize children under 2 state having 78% citizens indulged in bribery years of age and pregnant women against 8 as per the report titled ‘India Corruption vaccine preventable diseases launched on Survey 2019’? December 2, 2019? 1) Rajasthan 2) West 1) National Social Assistance Scheme Bengal 2) National Service Scheme 3) Assam 4) Maharashtra 3) INSPIRE Programme 5) None of these 4) Intensified Mission Indradhanush 2.0 (IMI-2.0) Answer – 1) Rajasthan 5) None of these Explanation: Answer – 4) Intensified Mission Indradhanush 2.0 A new report titled ‘India Corruption Survey 2019’ (IMI-2.0) by independent agencies Transparency International Explanation: India (TII) and LocalCircles, was released on November On December 2, 2019 the centre has launched 27, 2019. Rajasthan ranked as the most corrupt state nationwide vaccination drive under Intensified Mission having 78% citizens indulged in bribery. Rajasthan was Indradhanush 2.0 (IMI-2.0) across the country. This followed by and in the second and third flagship programme aims to immunize children under 2 place respectively. years of age and pregnant women against 8 vaccine 17) What is the rank of India in the Corruption preventable diseases such as diphtheria, whooping Perception index 2019? cough, tetanus, poliomyelitis, tuberculosis, measles, 1) 82 2) 75 3) 80 4) 78 meningitis and Hepatitis B. 5) None of these 14) Name the president of Sri Lanka, who visited Answer – 4) 78 India from November 28-30, 2019? Explanation: 1) Chandrika Kumaratunga India has improved its ranking in the corruption 2) Mahinda Rajapaksa perception index 2019 that ranks countries based on low 3) Nandasena Gotabaya Rajapaksa corruption instances as per Transparency International. 4) Maithripala Sirisena India ranks 78th position in the corruption index 2019 5) None of these out of 180 countries compared to 81 in 2018. Answer – 3) Nandasena Gotabaya Rajapaksa 18) Name the organization, which constitutes a Explanation: committee that recommends to launch a The president of Sri Lanka Shri Nandasena scheme for the promotion of endangered Gotabaya Rajapaksa paid a 3 day official visit to India languages in central and state universities? from November 28-30, 2019. It is to be noted that this was 1) Indian Council of Social Science Research his first overseas visit after becoming President. (ICSSR) 15) To which Country, India is set to offer $450 2) Council of Scientific and Industrial Research million Line of Credit (LoC) in which $400 (CSIR) million will be provided for infrastructure 3) University Grants Commission (UGC) projects and $50 million provided for counter 4) All India Council for Technical Education terror measures? (AICTE) 1) Myanmar 2) Sri Lanka 5) None of these 3) Nepal 4) Bangladesh Answer – 3) University Grants Commission (UGC) 5) None of these Explanation: 15. Answer – 2) Sri Lanka On December 2, 2019 the govt. has launched a Explanation: scheme for the promotion of endangered languages in The Shri central and state universities. The scheme has been announced to offer $450 million Line of Credit(LoC) to Sri launched following recommendations of an expert Lanka in which $400 million will be provided for committee constituted by the University Grants infrastructure projects and $50 million provided for Commission (UGC) to look into the issues related to counter terror measures to Sri Lanka. preservation and promotion of endangered languages. The central and state universities have been grouped together into separate clusters like North Eastern 4 languages, tribal languages, numeric and coastal of India (FSSAI) “Eat right station” languages and theoretical work of endangerment. certification? 19) Who launched the ‘POSHAN Anthem’ in New 1) Vijayawada Railway Station Delhi to spread the message of the importance 2) Char Bagh railway station of nutrition? 3) Mumbai Central railway station 1) Rajnath Singh 2) Narendra Modi 4) Ghum railway station 3) Ram Nath Kovind 4) Venkaiah Naidu 5) None of these 5) None of these Answer – 3) Mumbai Central railway station Answer – 4) Venkaiah Naidu Explanation: Explanation: On December 3, 2019 the Mumbai Central station of On December 3, 2019 the Vice Western Railways was conferred with the ‘Eat Right Shri Venkaiah Naidu launched the ‘POSHAN Anthem’ at Station’ certification with a 4-star rating by the Food an event organised by the Ministry of Women and Child Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). With Development (MoWCD) in New Delhi. The anthem was this certification, it became India’s first “Eat right launched to spread the message of the importance of station”. The certification was done as part of the ‘Eat nutrition. Right India’ movement launched in 2018 by FSSAI. 20) Name the lyricist of the POSHAN anthem? 23) How many days was prescribed for porting 1) Mankombu Gopalakrishnan facility in the service area as per new norms of 2) Telecom Regulatory Authority of India 3) Rajeev Alunkal (TRAI)? 4) 1) 9 days 2) 7 days 3) 5 days 4) 3 days 5) None of these 5) None of these Answer – 4) 3 days 20. Answer – 2) Prasoon Joshi Explanation: Explanation: The lyricist of the POSHAN anthem was Shri On December 3, 2019, Telecom Regulatory Authority Prasoon Joshi and its composer was singer Shri Shankar of India (TRAI), a statutory body set up by the Mahadevan.The efforts made under the POSHAN (GoI), has changed the rules related Abhiyan (national nutrition mission) scheme that aims to to Mobile Number Portability (MNP) by making the achieve the target of govt. to eliminate malnutrition in whole MNP service time-saving and easier than before. the nation by 2022, was discussed. The scheme aims to TRAI has prescribed the port facility in the service area improve nutritional outcomes for children, pregnant within 3 days. At the same time, 5 days time has been women and lactating mothers. fixed for getting ported out of service area. The new rules will come into effect from December 16, 2019 . This 21) Where was the India’s 1st National maritime means, it will be mandatory for companies to provide heritage museum to be built with the aim to MNP facility within three days of application from boost the underwater or marine archaeology? December 16. But, as per the current rules, companies 1) Lothal, 2) Kolkata, West Bengal are given 15 days from the date of application for this. 3) Chennai, Tamil Nadu 4) New Delhi, 24) Name the system, implemented by Election Delhi Commission of India (ECI) inorder to track the 5) None of these status of the political parties’ registration Answer – 1) Lothal, Gujarat process? Explanation: 1) Political Parties Registration Process Tracking On December 2, 2019, Government of India (GoI) & Management System (PPRPTMS) Portugal has decided to cooperate in the setting up of a 2) Political Parties Registration Tracking India’s 1st National Maritime Heritage Museum at the Management System (PPRTMS) ancient Indian site of Lothal in Gujarat with the aim to 3) Political Parties Registration and Tracking boost the underwater or marine archaeology. The Management System (PPRTMS) Museum will showcase salvaged material from shipwreck 4) Political Party Registration and Tracking sites in the Indian Ocean waters. Management System (PPRTMS) Name the India’s first railway station, which 22) 5) None of these received Food Safety and Standards Authority 5

Answer – 2) Political Parties Registration Tracking livelihoods etc) and tourism. It was handed over to the Management System (PPRTMS) Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF). It was Explanation: constructed by L&T (Larsen & Toubro) in Gujarat. On December 3, 2019 the Election Commission of 27) Where did India launched Rupay Card and 3 India (ECI) reviewed the political parties’ registration fish processing plants recently? process and decided to implement new guidelines and 1) Maldives 2) “Political Parties Registration Tracking Management 3) Morocco 4) Seychelles System” (PPRTMS), related to the registration process 5) None of these effective from January 1, 2019. The PPRTMS will be Answer – 1) Maldives implemented through an online portal inorder to track Explanation: the status of the applicants. Guidelines: The guidelines On December 4, 2019 the prime minister of India for this purpose are made available in the election Shri Narendra Modi and the president of Maldives commission’s website https://eci.gov.in. Ibrahim Mohamed Solih jointly inaugurated 4 key 25) Which country’s Department for development projects in Maldives via video conference. International Development (DFID) has signed The 4 projects are gifting of Made in India Coast Guard an MoU with Ministry of Railways(MoR) for Ship(CGS) Kaamiyaaba, which is a fast interceptor collaboration on energy and sustainability & vessel, to Maldives, launch of RuPay card, lighting up of with the aim to transform ’ Malé using LED (Light Emitting Diodes) lights, and into “Green Railways”? launch of 3 fish processing plants. India also plans to 1) China 2) Russia undertake several High impact community development 3) United Kingdom 4) United States projects implemented by the Addu City Council in 5) None of these Maldives. Answer – 3) United Kingdom 28) Name the institute, that develop and will Explanation: maintain the 1st of its kind Independent On December 2, 2019 the Ministry of Railways(MoR) Director’s Databank in accordance with the has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 to the Department for International Development (DFID), strengthen the institution of independent United Kingdom(UK) for collaboration on energy and directors under the companies act? sustainability. The MoU was signed with the goal to 1) Institute of Cost and Works Accountants of India transform Indian Railways’ into “Green Railways” by (ICWAI) achieving complete complete electrification of Railway 2) Institute of Chartered Accountants of India network. (ICAI) 26) Name the Made in India, fast interceptor 3) Indian Institute for Corporate Affairs (IICA) vessel that was gifted by India to Maldives on 4) Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts of December 4, 2019 to enhance it's maritime India (ICFAI) security? 5) None of these 1) COUACH 2) RANI Answer – 3) Indian Institute for Corporate Affairs ABBAKKA (IICA) 3) KAAMIYAAB 4) RAJSHREE Explanation: 5) None of these On December 2, 2019 the secretary of ministry of Answer – 3) KAAMIYAAB corporate affairs, Shri Injeti Srinivas launched Explanation: Independent Director’s Databank in accordance with the On December 4, 2019 the prime minister of India provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 and the rules made Shri Narendra Modi and the president of Maldives thereunder. Powered by integrated Learning Ibrahim Mohamed Solih jointly inaugurated 4 key Management System(LMS), the data bank was launched development projects in Maldives via video conference. to strengthen the institution of independent directors India gifted Made in India Coast Guard Ship(CGS) under the companies act. It has been developed and will Kaamiyaab, which is a fast interceptor vessel. The CGS be maintained by Indian Institute for Corporate Affairs Kaamiyaab would help in enhancing the maldives’ (IICA) and is a first of its kind by the ministry. maritime security, and also promote blue economy (use of 29) Which organization in association with ocean resources for economic growth, improved Women and Child Development (WCD) 6

launched “YuWaah- (Generation Unlimited 2) Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh India)” to promote the secondary education 3) Guwahati, Assam and training to build the skills young people 4) Kolkata, West Bengal need for productive lives and work? 5) None of these 1) Children's Defense Fund Answer – 1) , Uttarakhand 2) United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Explanation: 3) United Nations Educational, Scientific and On November 28, 2019 the Uttarakhand state forest Cultural Organization (UNESCO) minister Shri Harak Singh Rawat laid foundation stone 4) Children International 5) None of these of India’s first Ganga centralised aqualab at Wildlife Answer – 2) United Nations Children’s Fund Institute of India (WII) Dehradun, Uttarakhand. The (UNICEF) aqualabs will be set up under the National Mission for Explanation: Clean Ganga (NMCG). Various aquatic life forms found Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD) in the 2525-kilometer-long Ganga river would be has joined hands with UNICEF (United Nations preserved in the lab WII. Children's Fund) to launch “YuWaah- (Generation 32) What is the fixed maturity of India’s 1st Unlimited India)” with the aim to transform the countries corporate bond Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) involved into hubs of education, skilling and employment “Bharat Bond ETF”? for its more than 300 million young people aged 10-24 1) 5 and 9 years 2) 3 and 7 years years. The new initiative YuWaah (word “Yuva”, in the 3) 3 and 10 years 4) 5 and 10 years language, means young person) promotes the 5) None of these secondary education and training to build the skills Answer – 3) 3 and 10 years young people need for productive lives and work & also Explanation: boost the number of quality work opportunities available The CCEA gave its approval to launch India’s 1st to youth. corporate bond Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) “Bharat 30) Under which scheme, the Ministry of Tourism Bond ETF” to create an additional source of funding for has sanctioned 18 projects worth Rs 1456 crore the Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs) Central to develop and promote tourism in the North Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs), Central Public Eastern (NE) region? Financial Institutions (CPFIs) and other Government 1) Swadesh Darshan & Atal Mission for organizations. This move will allow retail investors to buy Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation government debt by providing low cost access to bond (AMRUT) markets with smaller amounts as low as Rs. 1,000. The 2) Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana & Swadesh bond will be issued by central public sector Darshan enterprises/undertakings (PSUs) or any other 3) Hridaya Plan and PRASAD (Pilgrimage government organization bonds. (Initially, all AAA rated Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive) bonds.) Bond Maturity: The bond has a fixed maturity of 3 4) Swadesh Darshan and PRASAD (Pilgrimage and 10 years and will trade on the stock exchanges. Each Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive) of these series will have separate index of the same 5) None of these maturity. Answer – 4) Swadesh Darshan and PRASAD 33) How much amount was penalized for company (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation executives who violate privacy norms as per Drive) Personal Data Protection Bill? Explanation: 1) Rs 25 crore or 4% of an entity’s global revenue On December 3, 2019 the Ministry of Tourism with a 2) Rs 15 crore or 4% of an entity’s global revenue focus to develop and promote tourism in the North 3) Rs 30 crore or 4% of an entity’s global revenue Eastern (NE) region, has sanctioned 18 projects under 4) Rs 45 crore or 4% of an entity’s global revenue the Swadesh Darshan and PRASAD (Pilgrimage 5) None of these Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive) Answer – 2) Rs 15 crore or 4% of an entity’s global Schemes for the entire NE region for Rs 1456 crore. revenue 31) Where was the foundation stone of India’s first Explanation: Ganga centralised aqualab laid? The CCEA approved Personal Data Protection Bill. 1) Dehradun, Uttarakhand The bill proposes a penalty of up to Rs 15 crore or 4% of an 7 entity’s global revenue and up to 3-year jail term for 11th “INDRA 2019” which is a joint tri services company executives who violate privacy norms. The bill exercise between India and Russia is to be held from mandates storage of critical data of individuals by December 10-19 2019. Both the nation’s armed forces will internet companies within the country. Sensitive data jointly evolve drills to defeat the scourge of terror under can be transferred overseas only after explicit consent of the United Nations(UN) mandate. Esprit-de- and the data owner. Critical data will be defined by the govt goodwill will be the key areas during the exercise which from time to time. The bill has been approved and will be will facilitate further strengthening of bonds between the introduced during the current winter session. defence forces of India and Russia. 34) Which two countries Joint Declaration of 37) Which State/UT will host the 11th edition of Intent (JDI) for cooperation on strategic “INDRA 2019”, a joint tri services exercise projects in the field of Railways was approved between India and Russia? on 4th December, 2019? 1) Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and West Bengal 1) India and Germany 2) India and Russia 2) Uttar Pradesh (Babina), Maharashtra (Pune) 3) India and China 4) India and United States and 5) None of these 3) Maharashtra, Punjab and Assam Answer – 1) India and Germany 4) Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh Explanation: 5) None of these The CCEA has approved the Joint Declaration of Answer – 2) Uttar Pradesh (Babina), Maharashtra Intent (JDI) between India and Germany for cooperation (Pune) and Goa on strategic projects in the field of Railways. The JDI in Explanation: this regard was signed in November 2019 by the Indian 11th “INDRA 2019” which is a joint tri services Ministry of Railways(MoR) and Federal Ministry for exercise between India and Russia is to be held from economic affairs and energy of the Federal Republic of December 10-19 2019, simultaneously at Babina (near Germany. Jhansi in Uttar Pradesh(UP)), Pune and Goa. Both the 35) Which country’s Election Commission has nation’s armed forces will jointly evolve drills to defeat signed an MoU with Election Commission of the scourge of terror under the United Nations (UN) India (ECI) for cooperation in the field of mandate. Esprit-de-corps and goodwill will be the key electoral management and administration? areas during the exercise which will facilitate further 1) Mauritius 2) strengthening of bonds between the defence forces of Madagascar India and Russia. 3) Seychelles 4) Maldives 38) How much amount was sanctioned by 5) None of these Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) for setting up Answer – 4) Maldives women help desks in police stations in all Explanation: states and Union Territories (UT) across the The CCEA has approved Memorandum of country? Understanding (MoU) between the Election Commission 1) Rs 400 crore 2) Rs 200 crore of India (ECI) and the Election Commission of 3) Rs 500 crore 4) Rs 100 crore Maldives(ECM) for cooperation in the field of electoral 5) None of these management and administration. The MoU includes Answer – 4) Rs 100 crore exchange of knowledge and experience in electoral Explanation: management process, support in exchanging The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has sanctioned information, training of personnel, capacity building etc Rs 100 crore for setting up women help desks in police thus promoting bilateral cooperation. stations in all states and Union Territories (UT) across 36) Which two countries participate in the joint the country. The women help desks will be focused on tri services exercise “INDRA 2019”? making police stations more women friendly and 1) India and China 2) India and Japan approachable. Women police officers will be deployed at 3) India and Russia 4) India and Sri Lanka the help desks which would be the first and single point of 5) None of these contact for any woman walking into a police station. Answer – 3) India and Russia 39) Under which fund, Ministry of Home Affairs Explanation: (MHA) has sanctioned Rs 100 crore for setting up women help desks in police stations in all 8

states and Union Territories (UT) across the 42) To which country, India has extended one Line country? of Credits (LOC’s) and two Solar projects? 1) Nirbhaya Fund 1) Nigeria 2) Guinea 3) Liberia 2) Fund for Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao 4) Sierra Leone 5) None of these 3) Fund for Integrated Child Development Services Answer – 2) Guinea 4) Womens Welfare Development Fund Explanation: 5) None of these On 5th December 2019, India has extended one Line Answer – 1) Nirbhaya Fund of Credits (LOC’s) and two Solar projects in Guinea. S Explanation: Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister, India and The Ministry of Home Affairs(MHA) has sanctioned Mamadi Toure, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Guinea were Rs 100 crore from the Nirbhaya Fund for setting up both present during the exchange of the agreements. The women help desks in police stations in all states and agreement was open for signature on 15th November, Union Territories (UT) across the country. The women 2016 during the Conference of the Parties (COP 22) held help desks will be focused on making police stations more at Marrakech, Morocco. women friendly and approachable. Women police officers 43) Where was the 33rd International Book Fair will be deployed at the help desks which would be the first for the year 2019 held? and single point of contact for any woman walking into a 1) Asunción, Paraguay 2) San José, Costa Rica police station. 3) Havana, Cuba 4) Guadalajara, 40) Where was the 4th Workshop on management 5) None of these of Heat Wave, “Heat Wave 2020” held? Answer – 4) Guadalajara, Mexico 1) Jaipur, Rajasthan 2) Bengaluru, Karnataka Explanation: 3) Mumbai, Maharashtra On December 1, 2019 the Minister of State(MoS) for 4) Kolkata, West Bengal Human Resource and Development(HRD) Shri Sanjay 5) None of these Dhotre inaugurated the India Pavilion at the 33rd Answer – 2) Bengaluru, Karnataka International Book Fair 2019 in Guadalajara, Mexico. Explanation: 44) Name the first Asian Country, which becomes On December 5, 2019 the National Disaster the “guest of honour” for 33rd International Management Authority (NDMA), in collaboration with Book Fair 2019 that held in Guadalajara, Karnataka govt. has organised a two-day national Mexico? workshop “Heat Wave 2020” on preparedness, mitigation 1) India 2) China 3) Indonesia4) and management of Heat Wave in Bengaluru city of 5) None of these Karnataka. The workshop has been conducted well in Answer – 1) India advance of the heat wave season to manage the hot Explanation: weather conditions for the year 2020. Climate change led On December 1, 2019 the Minister of State(MoS) for to rise of average summer temperature by 0.5°C in the Human Resource and Development(HRD) Shri Sanjay past five years. Dhotre inaugurated the India Pavilion at the 33rd 41) Who will head the 14 member panel to study International Book Fair 2019 in Guadalajara, Mexico. issues related to online pornographic content India is the “guest of honour” for the 2019 book fair and is on the internet and social media platforms? also the first Asia country to have received this honour. In 1) Kapil Sibal 2) Shashi Tharoor Mexico, this book fair called “Feria Internacional del 3) Jairam Ramesh 4) Anand Sharma Libro de Guadalajara” in Spanish is the biggest book fair 5) None of these in the Spanish-speaking world and will be held till Answer – 3) Jairam Ramesh December 8, 2019. Explanation: 45) Where was the Central India’s 1st Avantee On December 5, 2019, the Rajya Sabha Chairman mega Food Park inaugurated by Harsimrat and Vice President of India Shri Muppavarapu Venkaiah Kaur Badal? Naidu announced a 14-member panel coordinated by 1) Dehradun, Uttarakhand Congress leader Jairam Ramesh to study the issues 2) , related to pornographic content on the internet and social 3) Dewas, Madhya Pradesh (MP) media platforms. The panel will prepare a report 4) Jaipur, Rajasthan regarding it within 1 month. 5) None of these 9

Answer – 3) Dewas, Madhya Pradesh (MP) 3) Abhana Village in Damoh, Madhya Pradesh Explanation: 4) Sarai village in Haridwar, Uttarakhand On December 5, 2019, Harsimrat Kaur Badal, the 5) None of these Union Minister for Food Processing has inaugurated the Answer – 4) Sarai village in Haridwar, Uttarakhand Central India’s 1st Avantee mega Food Park spread over Explanation: 51 acres in Dewas, Madhya Pradesh (MP). It was built The king and queen of Sweden inaugurated the 14 with a cost of about 150 crore rupees. Gram, wheat, MLD (megalitres per day) Sewage Treatment Plant(STP) soyabean and other grains and vegetables will be Sarai village in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. Sarai treatment Processed in park. Warehouses will also be opened in plant: The Sarai treatment plant is the 1st plant Agar, Indore, Dhar, Ujjain and in next phases. completed under Hybrid Annuity (HAM) Based Public 46) Which country’s King Carl XVI Gustaf Folke Private Partnership Model and the cost was about Rs Hubertus and Queen Silvia Renate 41.40 crores. The plant is based on aerobic biological Sommerlath visited India recently? process, Sequential Batch Reactor (SBR) process. These 1) 2) Norway types of processes are capable of removing nutrients 3) Sweden 4) Denmark during treatment and will also be 100% ecofriendly. 5) None of these Under the HAM project the plant will be treated for about Answer – 3) Sweden 15 years upto 2035 by the same developer for efficient Explanation: performance King Carl XVI Gustaf Folke Hubertus and Queen 49) Which two countries partnered together to set Silvia Renate Sommerlath of Sweden paid a 5-day official up a healthcare innovation centre to promote visit to India from December 2-6,2019 at the invitation of research on non- communicable diseases & to President Ram Nath Kovind. They were received by work together in areas such as digital health, Member of Parliament(MP) Babul Supriyo at the New artificial intelligence (AI), future mobility and Delhi airport. This is the 3rd time they both have visited circular economy? India. Earlier they visited in the year 1993 and 2005. 1) India and Russia 2) India and Sweden 47) How many MoU’s were signed between India 3) India and Japan 4) India and United States and Swedan during Swedan’s King Carl XVI 5) None of these Gustaf Folke Hubertus and Queen Silvia Answer – 2) India and Sweden Renate Sommerlath visit to India? Explanation: 1) 3 2) 4 3) 5 4) 7 India and Sweden announced to set up a healthcare 5) None of these innovation centre to promote research on non- Answer – 1) 3 communicable diseases and also help Indian start-ups in Explanation: the health sector. The year 2019 also marks 10 years of On December 2, 2019 India and Sweden signed 3 India-Sweden cooperation in healthcare. The decision to agreements/ Memorandum of Understandings (MoU). set up health care innovation centres was taken by The MoUs are as follows, Cooperation between the AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences) Delhi; Department of Science and Technology(DST) of India and AIIMS- Jodhpur(Rajasthan), and the Swedish Trade the Swedish Energy Agency. MoU between the Ministry Commissioner’s Office in Delhi. of Earth Sciences(MoES) of India and the Ministry of 50) Which Police station becomes the best education and research of Sweden on cooperation of polar performing Police Stations across the country science. Mou on promoting safety of the maritime for the year 2019? environment. Under this MoU, seafarer certificates will 1) Anini police station, Arunachal Pradesh be recognised pursuant to Regulation I/10 of the 2) Ajk Burhanpur police station, Madhya Pradesh International Convention on Standards of Training, 3) Aberdeen police station, Andaman and Nicobar Certification and Watch. It is the 1st first maritime Islands cooperation agreement between these two nations. 4) Balasinor police station, Gujarat 48) Where was the India’s first Hybrid Annuity 5) None of these (HAM) based 14 MLD (megalitres per day) Answer – 3) Aberdeen police station, Andaman and Sewage Treatment Plant(STP) inaugurated? Nicobar Islands 1) Mangaldoi in Darrang, Assam Explanation: 2) Manika block in Latehar, Jharkhand 10

On 6th December 2019, the Ministry of Home Affairs 5) None of these (MOH) has released the list of best performing Police Answer – 4) Nand Kishore (NK) Singh Stations across the country for the year 2019. Aberdeen Explanation: police station from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, On December 5, 2019, The 15th Finance Commission Balasinor police station from Gujarat and Ajk Burhanpur headed by economist & former Indian Administrative from Madhya Pradesh take the 1st, 2nd and 3rd places Service officer (IAS) Shri. Nand Kishore (NK) Singh and respectively. The grading system of the police stations its members S/Shri Ajay Narayan Jha, Ashok Lahiri, comes after the directions of Prime Minister Narendra Ramesh Chand, Anoop Singh and Secretary Shri Arvind Modi while addressing the DsGP (State Police Chief) Mehta has submitted its report for the financial year (FY) during the 2015 Conference held in Kutch, Gujarat. Top 5 2020-21 to President Ram Nath Kovind. The Commission Police Stations from the list: sets the formula for sharing of tax and other resources between the Center and the States.President of India Ranking Police Station State constituted the 15th Finance Commission on 27 1 Aberdeen Andaman and Nicobar November 2017 under Article 280 of the Constitution. Islands 53) Along which border, Government of India has 2 Balasinor Gujarat approved seven projects for setting up FM (Frequency modulation) transmitters in the 3 Ajk Burhanpur Madhya Pradesh premises of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) to 4 AWPS Theni Tamil Nadu strengthen FM coverage in the border? 5 Anini Arunachal Pradesh 1) India-China border 2) Indo-Nepal border 3) India-Pakistan border 51) Under which scheme Government of India has 4) India- Myanmar border produced 1.08 lakh tons of pulses and seeds, 3% 5) None of these of the target? Answer – 2) Indo-Nepal border 1) Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Explanation: Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) On December 6, 2019, As per the Union Minister for 2) Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan Information and Broadcasting Prakash Javadekar, the (PM-SYM) central Government has approved seven projects for 3) Prime Minister Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana setting up FM (Frequency modulation ) transmitters in (PM-JJBY) the premises of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) to strengthen 4) Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana FM coverage along the Indo-Nepal border.These 7 (PM-SBY) projects will set up in Bihar (Bathnaha village of Araria 5) None of these district, Narkatiaganj town in West Champaran district, Answer – 1) Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay and Sitamarhi district), Uttar Pradesh-UP (Gadaniya Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) village in Lakhimpur Kheri district , Nanpara town in Bahraich district ,and Maharajganj district) , Explanation: Uttarakhand (Champawat district). Only 3% target of pulses and seeds achieved under the Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan 54) Who addressed the 4th India Water Impact (PM-AASHA) scheme according to the data released by Summit 2019 in New Delhi? the Agriculture Ministry in the on 3rd 1) Kataria 2) Pralhad Joshi December 2019. The production of pulses has been only 3) Gajendra Singh Shekhawat 1.08 lakh tons so far but the target of the PM-AASHA 4) Arjun Ram Meghwal 5) None of these scheme is to produce 37.59 lakh metric tons of crops. The Answer – 3) Gajendra Singh Shekhawat crops started arriving from October and will last till Explanation: February. The Union Minister of Jal Shakti, Shri Gajendra 52) Who heads the 15th Finance commission that Singh Shekhawat has addressed the 4th India Water has submitted its report for the financial year Impact Summit 2019 with the theme “Valuing Water | (FY) 2020-21 to President Ram Nath Kovind? Transforming Ganga” held with the focus on integrated 1) Arvind Subramanian2) Shaktikanta Das water resources management in urban and rural areas at 3) Urjit Patel the Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi from 5-7 December 2019. 4) Nand Kishore (NK) Singh On this occasion, Shekhawat also released the report on 11

River Restoration and Conservation – A Concise Manual managers and limited partners of top global venture and Guide, and Documents on “cGanga Hubs”. capital firms. 55) What was the theme of the 4th India Water 58) What was the theme of the 2nd edition of the Impact Summit 2019? Startup India Global Venture Capital 1) Theme – “Valuing Water | Transforming Ganga” Summit? 2) Theme – “Stakeholders for a Cohesive and 1) Theme – “Stakeholders for a Cohesive and Sustainable World” Sustainable World” 3) Theme – “Opportunities in Modern for Young 2) Theme – “Promoting a Shared Destiny and Path minds and Businesses” to Prosperity in the Indian Ocean” 4) Theme – “Transforming Logistics Landscape” 3) Theme – “Advancing Partnership for 5) None of these Sustainability” Answer – 1) Theme – “Valuing Water | 4) Theme – “India Opportunity – Investing in Transforming Ganga” tomorrow together” Explanation: 5) None of these The Union Minister of Jal Shakti, Shri Gajendra Answer – 4) Theme – “India Opportunity – Investing Singh Shekhawat has addressed the 4th India Water in tomorrow together” Impact Summit 2019 with the theme “Valuing Water | Explanation: Transforming Ganga” held with the focus on integrated The 2nd edition of the Startup India Global Venture water resources management in urban and rural areas at Capital Summit, organised by the Department for the Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi from 5-7 December 2019. Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), in On this occasion, Shekhawat also released the report on partnership with Govt of Goa, was held in Goa, from River Restoration and Conservation – A Concise Manual December 6-7, 2019. The theme for the 2019 summit was and Guide, and Documents on “cGanga Hubs”. “India Opportunity – Investing in tomorrow together”. 56) Where was the first ever Human Library Focus: The focus of the Summit was to mobilize global Chapter 2, a concept that seeked to replace capital for innovation in India and the key objectives of books with humans held? the summit were showcasing of India’s opportunity in the 1) Guwahati, Assam 2) Kolkata, West Bengal sectors of E-Mobility, FinTech, MedTech, Enterprise 3) Mysuru, Karnataka 4) Hyderabad, Telangana Software, EdTech, Genomics and Life sciences. 5) None of these 59) Under which scheme, government has Answer – 3) Mysuru, Karnataka disbursed Rs. 36,000 crores to the farmers as on November 30, 2019 (i.e. by providing Explanation: Rs.6,000 per year to the farmers)? On December 8, 2019 first ever Human Library 1) Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana Chapter 2, a concept that seeked to replace books with (PM-SBY) humans was organised in Mysuru, in Karnataka. The event was held at Mysore Institute of Commerce and Arts 2) Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (MICA), in Mysuru. The aim of the human library was to (PM-KISAN) create a safe framework for conservation by using a 3) Prime Minister Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana library analogy of lending people rather than books. (PM-JJBY) 4) Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan 57) Which state/UT hosts the 2nd edition of the Startup India Global Venture Capital (PM-SYM) Summit? 5) None of these 1) Goa 2) Odisha 3) Karnataka Answer – 2) Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi 4) Maharashtra 5) None of these (PM-KISAN) Answer – 1) Goa Explanation: Explanation: As on November 30, 2019 the govt. has disbursed Rs. 36,000 crores under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman The 2nd edition of the Startup India Global Venture Nidhi Yojana (PM-KISAN) to the farmers. The Capital Summit, organised by the Department for announcement was made by Minister for Agriculture and Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), in Farmers Welfare Narendra Singh Tomar. Over seven partnership with Govt of Goa, was held in Goa, from crores 60 lakh farmers have been benefited under the December 6-7, 2019. The summit was organised for fund scheme. 12

60) Name the Prime Minister of Mauritius, who 4) Jeypore Airport in Koraput, Airport in visited India recently? Sundergarh & Utkela Airport in Kalahandi 1) Paul Bérenger 5) None of these 2) Dr. Answer – 4) Jeypore Airport in Koraput, Rourkela 3) Pravind Kumar Jugnauth Airport in Sundergarh & Utkela Airport in Kalahandi 4) Sir Explanation: 5) None of these On December 7, 2019, The central government has Answer – 3) Pravind Kumar Jugnauth agreed to include three airports one each at Jeypore in Explanation: Koraput, Rourkela in Sundergarh & Utkela in Kalahandi On December 6, the Prime Minister(PM) of district of Odisha under the regional connectivity scheme Mauritius Mr. Pravind Kumar Jugnauth along with his UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik). wife Mrs Kobita Jugnauth visited India and met the 63) Which rule was amended by Ministry of Indian PM shri Narendra Modi in New Delhi. During the Corporate Affairs (MCA) in order to simplify visit, both leaders agreed to work together to build up the process of refund of claims filed with The bilateral relations and to deepen the fraternal and Investor Education & Protection Fund enduring ties, based on mutual interest and priorities. Authority (IEPFA)? Recent development projects in Mauritius such as Metro 1) Investor Education & Protection Fund Express Project, ENT (Ear Nose Throat) Hospital, Social (Accounting, Audit, Transfer and Refund) Rules Housing Project by the Indian govt. were reiterated. 2013 61) How many years of compliance will be given to 2) Investor Education & Protection Fund remove the hazardous material for existing (Accounting, Audit, Transfer and Refund) Rules ships as per the "Recycling of Ships Bill 2019"? 2014 1) 15 years 2) 5 years 3) Investor Education & Protection Fund 3) 7 years 4) 10 years (Accounting, Audit, Transfer and Refund) Rules 5) None of these 2016 Answer – 2) 5 years 4) Investor Education & Protection Fund (Accounting, Audit, Transfer and Refund) Rules Explanation: 2015 On December 9, 2019 the parliament has passed the 5) None of these “The Recycling of Ships Bill 2019’’ inorder to ensure environmentally safe and sound recycling of Ships in Answer – 3) Investor Education & Protection Fund India. Under the bill, the govt. will provide regulations of (Accounting, Audit, Transfer and Refund) Rules 2016 recycling of ships by setting international standards. The Explanation: bill feature in detail are as follows: On December 9, 2019, Ministry of Corporate  The bill prohibits the use or installation of hazardous Affairs(MCA), Government of India (GoI), has amended materials in the ship irrespective of whether the ship the Investor Education & Protection Fund (Accounting, will be recycled or not. Audit, Transfer and Refund) Rules 2016 in order to  Existing ships will be given 5-year compliance to simplify the process of refund of claims filed with The remove the hazardous material. Investor Education & Protection Fund Authority  New Ships will be prohibited to use the hazardous material with immediate effect from the date of (IEPFA). As per the rule, Investors/Depositors, whose legislation comes to force. shares, dividends, matured deposits, or debentures, etc 62) Name the airports, that were included under have been transferred to Investor Education & Protection the regional connectivity scheme UDAN (Ude Fund under the companies act 2013 can claim the refund Desh ka Aam Naagrik)? online. 1) Chaudhary Charan Singh Airport in Lucknow, 64) Name the Abhiyan, which aims to promote the Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in education among rural and tribal children? Babatpur & in Jewar 1) Ekal School Abhiyan 2) in Baljek, in 2) Kendriya Vidyalaya Abhiyan Umroi & Jay Prakash Narayan Airport in Patna 3) Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Abhiyan 3) in Lakhimpur, Tezpur Airport in 4) Sarvodaya Vidyalaya Abhiyan Tezpur & Rowriah Airport in Rowriah 5) None of these Answer – 1) Ekal School Abhiyan 13

Explanation: 4) Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan On December 6, 2019 the Prime Minister of India (PM-SYM) 5) None of these Shri Narendra Modi addressed Ekal Vidyalaya Answer – 3) Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Sangathan in Gujarat through Video message from New (PM-KISAN) Delhi. The Ekal Vidyalaya Sangathan spearheads ‘Ekal Explanation: School Abhiyan’ which aims to promote the education On December 9, 2019, According to the Agriculture among rural and tribal children. Department, Government of India (GoI), the 4th 65) By which year, Prime Minister of India Shri instalment of the PM-KISAN (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Narendra Modi announced to set up 400 new Samman Nidhi) finance support scheme due between ‘Eklavya Model residential schools’ across the December 2019 and March 2020 will be transferred only country? to Aadhar-linked bank accounts of more than 50 million 1) 2021 2) 2022 3) 2023 4) 2024 beneficiaries. This was the 1st time the central 5) None of these government has insisted on the mandatory condition of Answer – 2) 2022 Aadhar seeding since the launch of PM-KISAN scheme in Explanation: February 2019. PM Modi announced to set up 400 new ‘Eklavya 68) Where was the 20th edition of GeoSmart India Model residential schools’ by 2022 across the country, so Conference 2019 held? as to ensure that children in tribal areas are not deprived 1) Hyderabad, Telangana of quality education. The sangathan(organisation) 2) Kolkata, West Bengal volunteers were appreciated for their role for creating 3) Mumbai, Maharashtra awareness on education to more than 2.8 million rural 4) New Delhi, Delhi 5) None of these and tribal children residing in the remotest locations Answer – 1) Hyderabad, Telangana across India and Nepal. Explanation: 66) Which minister organized a massive plogging 20th edition of GeoSmart India conference 2019, was programme against single use plastic as a part held in Hyderabad, Telangana from December 3-5, 2019. of Swachhta Pakhwada on December 7, 2019? It was the largest geospatial event of India with the aim 1) Ram Vilas Paswan 2) Piyush Goyal of bringing the geospatial and emerging technologies 3) Amit Shah 4) Rajnath Singh together. 5) None of these 69) What was the theme of the 20th edition of Answer – 4) Rajnath Singh GeoSmart India Conference 2019? Explanation: 1) Theme – “Vision New India” On December 7, 2019 the Minister of Defence (MoD) 2) Theme – “Ignite – Innovate – Integrate” Shri Rajnath Singh, flagged off the ‘Swachhta Day’ event, 3) Theme – “Women First – Prosperity for All” organised by the Delhi Cantt in New Delhi. The aim of the 4) Theme – “Commercialization and day was to create awareness to people, collect plastic Commoditization” waste and make the surrounding plastic free with 5) None of these participation from 50 lakh people. The cleanliness drive Answer – 2) Theme – “Ignite – Innovate – Integrate” was part of the activities of Swachhta Pakhwada. The Explanation: slogan for the event was ‘Plastic Se Raksha – Swachhata 20th edition of GeoSmart India conference 2019, was Hi Suraksha’. held in Hyderabad, Telangana from December 3-5, 2019. 67) Which scheme has recently mandated the It was the largest geospatial event of India with the aim beneficiaries to link Aadhar card to bank of bringing the geospatial and emerging technologies accounts only then the amount will be together. The theme of the 2019 conference was “Ignite – transferred to the account? Innovate – Integrate”. 1) Prime Minister Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana 70) Which mission was conferred with (PM-JJBY) ‘Leadership in Rejuvenation and Protection 2) Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana of Fresh Water Systems in India’ award (PM-SBY) during the 20th edition of GeoSmart India 3) Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi conference 2019? (PM-KISAN) 1) National Mission for Clean Krishna (NMCK) 2) National Mission for Clean Godavari (NMCG) 14

3) National Mission for Clean Yamuna (NMCY) talent-assessment company), PeopleStrong and 4) National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in collaboration 5) None of these with UNDP (United Nations Development Programme), Answer – 4) National Mission for Clean Ganga AICTE (All India Council for Technical Education) and (NMCG) AIU (Association of Indian Universities). Explanation: 73) Which state has emerged as the top ranked The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) was state in terms of employability as per the 7th conferred with ‘Leadership in Rejuvenation and edition of the India Skills Report 2020 for the Protection of Fresh Water Systems in India’ award year 2019-20? during the conference held at the Hyderabad 1) Telangana 2) Uttar Pradesh International Convention Centre(HICC) in Hyderabad, 3) Maharashtra 4) Tamil Nadu Telangana. The award was given to NMCG for its 5) None of these transformative initiatives in the water sector. Answer – 3) Maharashtra 71) Which state has distributed India’s 1st Pashu Explanation: Kisan credit cards (Animal husbandry Credit On December 10, 2019 the 7th edition of the India Card) to 101 animal farmers to promote animal Skills Report 2020 for the year 2019-20 was launched. As husbandry and agribusiness? per the report about 46.21% students were found 1) West Bengal 2) Assam employable or ready to take up jobs in 2019, compared 3) Uttar Pradesh 4) Haryana with 33% in 2014, and 47.38% in 2018. Maharashtra 5) None of these emerged as the top ranked state in terms of Answer – 4) Haryana employability. It was followed by Tamil Nadu and Uttar Explanation: Pradesh(UP) in the second and third rank respectively. Availability of employable talent has also improved over On December 7, 2019 the 1st Pashu Kisan credit the past six years. cards (Animal husbandry Credit Card) in India were distributed to 101 animal farmers in Bhiwani district of 74) How much amount of loan was disbursed by Haryana. These credit cards were launched to promote government of India under Pradhan Mantri animal husbandry and agribusiness. The haryana govt MUDRA Yojana (PMMY) as on November 1, has also set a target to issue 10 lakh Pashu Kisan Credit 2019? cards by March 2021. 1) Rs. 10.24 lakh crore 2) Rs. 10.54 lakh crore 72) Which organization has collaborated with 3) Rs. 10.64 lakh crore 4) Rs. 10.74 lakh crore Wheebox, PeopleStrong, UNDP (United 5) None of these Nations Development Programme), AICTE (All Answer – 1) Rs. 10.24 lakh crore India Council for Technical Education) and Explanation: AIU (Association of Indian Universities) & On December 9, 2019 the ministry of Labour and released the 7th edition of the India Skills Employment announced that Rs. 10.24 lakh crore have Report 2020 for the year 2019-20? been disbursed under the Pradhan Mantri MUDRA 1) World Economic Forum (WEF) Yojana (PMMY) as on November 1, 2019. The loans under 2) Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) PMMY were sanctioned to 20.84 crore account holders. 3) National Association of Software and Services 75) Which city is set to host the 17th edition of Companies (NASSCOM) BioAsia 2020 with the theme “Today For 4) Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Tomorrow”? Industry (FICCI) 1) Mumbai, Maharashtra 5) None of these 2) Guwahati, Assam Answer – 2) Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) 3) Chennai, Tamil Nadu Explanation: 4) Hyderabad, Telangana On December 10, 2019 the 7th edition of the India 5) None of these Skills Report 2020 for the year 2019-20 was launched. As Answer – 4) Hyderabad, Telangana per the report about 46.21% students were found Explanation: employable or ready to take up jobs in 2019, compared 17th edition of BioAsia2020 scheduled to be held with 33% in 2014, and 47.38% in 2018. The India Skills from February 17-19, 2020 with the theme “Today For Report, is a joint initiative of Wheebox (global Tomorrow” in Hyderabad, Telangana.This information 15 was provided by Jayesh Ranjan, Telangana Principal The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has organised a Secretary of Industries and Commerce and Information series of web seminars (webinars) from December 10, Technology(IT) at a press conference in Hyderabad on 2019 in the run upto (the period of time just before an December 11, 2019. important event) DefExpo 2020. The 11th edition of the 76) Name the partner country of 17th edition of biennial flagship event DefExpo 2020 will be held in BioAsia 2020? Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh (UP) from February 05-08, 1) Belgium 2) Switzerland 2020. Focus: The webinars (web seminars) will focus on 3) Sweden 4) Norway topics related to defence, aerospace and security industry, academia and student fraternity. 5) None of these Answer – 2) Switzerland 79) How many monuments were recognized as the ‘Must see monuments’ by the Minister of State Explanation: (MoS) of Culture and Tourism, Prahlad Singh Switzerland will be the country partner at the 17th Patel on December 9, 2019? edition of BioAsia2020 scheduled to be held from 1) 168 2) 178 3) 150 4) 138 February 17-19, 2020 with the theme “Today For Tomorrow” in Hyderabad, Telangana.This information 5) None of these was provided by Jayesh Ranjan, Telangana Principal Answer - 4) 138 Secretary of Industries and Commerce and Information Explanation: Technology(IT) at a press conference in Hyderabad on On December 9, 2019, As per the Minister of State December 11, 2019. (MoS) of Culture and Tourism, Prahlad Singh Patel, 77) Under which scheme, 65 lakh patients availed Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), an Indian treatment worth Rs 9,549 crore as on government agency attached to the Culture Ministry ,has December 5, 2019? identified 138 numbers of monuments as ‘Must See’ 1) Ayushman Bharat- Prime Minister Jeevan Jyoti Monuments . The ‘Must See’ list of ASI features first-class Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) Indian monuments and archaeological sites including those that feature on UNESCO’s (United Nations 2) Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) World Arogya Maan-dhan (PM-SYAM) Heritage List. Such monuments and sites showcase 3) Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya exceptionality in terms of art and architecture, planning Yojana (AB-PMJAY) and design. 4) Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Kisan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMKAY) 80) Mongla & Chattogram declared as Ports of Call under “Coastal Shipping Agreement”, 5) None of these these ports are located in which country? Answer – 3) Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan 1) Bhutan 2) Bangladesh Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) 3) Nepal 4) Sri Lanka Explanation: 5) None of these On December 10, 2019 the health ministry Answer – 2) Bangladesh announced that over 65 lakh patients were treated under the Centre’s flagship Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Explanation: Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) ever since its launch till On December 5, 2019 the Ministry of Shipping (MoS) december 5, 2019. The treatment costs were worth Rs. announced that Mongla and Chattogram (Both in 9,549 crore. Out of the total 65,45,733 patients, treatment Bangladesh) have been declared as Ports of Call under amounting to Rs 6,133 crore was provided to 35,34,695 “Coastal Shipping Agreement” between India & patients through private hospitals. Bangladesh. A MoU (Memorandum of Understanding), agreement and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) on 78) Which city is set to host the 11th edition of the the use of Chattogram Port & Mongla Ports for goods biennial flagship event DefExpo 2020? movement between India and Bangladesh has been 1) Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh (UP) signed between both the nations. 2) , Odisha 81) Which state has become the fourth state to 3) Bengaluru, Karnataka have the Inner Line Permit (ILP) regime after 4) Guwahati, Assam Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Mizoram? 5) None of these 1) Meghalaya 2) West Bengal Answer – 1) Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh (UP) 3) Assam 4) Manipur Explanation: 16

5) None of these 84) What was the theme of the 4th edition of Answer – 4) Manipur International Seminar cum Exhibition on Explanation: Naval weapon Systems -NAVARMS-19? On 11th December 2019, Ram Nath Kovind, 1) Theme – “Make in India – Fight Category: President of India signed an order to extend the Inner Opportunities and Imperatives” Line Permit (ILP) regime to Manipur. The decision was 2) Theme – “Promoting a Shared Destiny and Path taken after the announcement of the extension of the ILP to Prosperity in the Indian Ocean” to Northeastern state by Amit Shah, Minister of Home 3) Theme – “Make in India – Shaping a New India” Affairs (MHA) in Lok Sabha. Manipur is the fourth state 4) Theme – “Good Governance – Focus on to have the ILP after Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Aspirational Districts” Mizoram. Other state citizens require ILP to visit these 5) None of these states in terms of Section 2 of the Bengal Eastern Answer – 1) Theme – “Make in India – Fight Frontier Regulations, 1873. Category: Opportunities and Imperatives” 82) Name the airline which flagged of its flight Explanation: operations to Guwahati-Dimapur-Imphal On December 12, 2019, A two day event of 4th under ‘UDAN’ (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik)- edition of International Seminar cum Exhibition on RCS (Regional Connectivity Scheme)? Naval weapon Systems – NAVARMS-19 with the theme 1) SpiceJet 2) Alliance Air “Make in India – Fight Category: Opportunities and 3) TruJet 4) Air India Express Imperatives” has commenced at Institute for Defence 5) None of these Studies and Analysis (IDSA), Development Enclave, in Answer – 2) Alliance Air New Delhi. Explanation: 85) Which bank will be allowed to purchase On December 7, 2019 Alliance Air, which is a high-rated pooled assets from Non-Banking wholly-owned subsidiary of Air India, flagged of its flight Financial Companies (NBFCs) / Housing operations to Guwahati-Dimapur-Imphal of Assam, Finance Companies (HFCs) amounting to a Nagaland and Manipur respectively. The regional total of Rs 1 lakh crore by “Partial Credit connectivity was provided under RCS (Regional Guarantee Scheme”? Connectivity Scheme) named ‘UDAN’ (Ude Desh ka Aam 1) Payments Banks Naagrik). It is the 236th route under RCS. The flight 2) Small Finance Banks (SFBs) connectivity marks the inception of 1st ever alternative 3) Private Sector Banks (PSBs) option of connectivity to Imphal. Imphal is still not 4) Public Sector Banks (PSBs) connected with the railway network of India. 5) None of these 83) Where was the 4th edition of International Answer – 4) Public Sector Banks (PSBs) Seminar cum Exhibition on Naval weapon Explanation: Systems -NAVARMS-19 held? The CCEA has approved the “Partial Credit 1) Chennai, Tamil Nadu Guarantee Scheme”, which will be offered by the 2) Kolkata, West Bengal Government of India (Gol) to Public Sector Banks (PSBs). 3) New Delhi, Delhi The scheme will allow purchasing of high-rated pooled 4) Mumbai, Maharashtra assets from financially sound Non-Banking Financial 5) None of these Companies (NBFCs) / Housing Finance Companies Answer – 3) New Delhi (HFCs) amounting to a total of Rs 1 lakh crore. The Explanation: scheme was announced in the Union Budget of 2019-20. On December 12, 2019, A two day event of 4th The amount of overall guarantee is limited to first loss of edition of International Seminar cum Exhibition on up to 10% of the fair value of assets being purchased by Naval weapon Systems – NAVARMS-19 has commenced the banks under the scheme, or Rs 10,000 crore, at Institute for Defence Studies and Analysis (IDSA), whichever is lower, as agreed by the department of Development Enclave, in New Delhi. NAVARMS is the economic affairs (DEA). only international seminar and exhibition on Naval Arms 86) What is the increased authorised capital of System in India. This seminar provides a common India Infrastructure Finance Company platform for all stakeholders to express their views. Limited (IIFCL) from Rs. 6,000 crores as per the Cabinet Approval on December 11, 2019? 17

1) Rs. 20,000 crores 2) Rs. 25,000 crores The CCEA approved Insolvency and Bankruptcy 3) Rs. 22,000 crores 4) Rs. 15,000 crores Code (Second Amendment) Bill, 2019. This bill will 5) None of these amend the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (code). Answer – 2) Rs. 25,000 crores The aim of the amendment is to remove certain Explanation: difficulties that are faced during insolvency resolution process to realise the objects of the code and to further The CCEA has approved the proposal to increase the ease doing of business. The bill seeks to amend sections authorised capital and equity support to India 5(12), 5(15), 7, 11, 14, 16(1), 21(2), 23(1), 29A, 227, 239, Infrastructure Finance Company Limited (IIFCL). 240 and insert new section 32A in the Insolvency and Equity support: The cabinet approved to provide Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (Code). additional equity support of Rs. 5,300 crores in FY20 (Financial Year 2019-20) and Rs. 10,000 crores in FY21. 89) What is the maximum limit of fine proposed Authorised capital: The Cabinet has also approved to by the Aircraft (Amendment) Bill, 2019 from increase the authorized capital of IIFCL from Rs. 6,000 the existing Rs. 10 lakhs which is set to amend crores to Rs. 25,000 crores. Aircraft Act, 1934 (XXII of 1934)? 1) Rs. 50 lakhs 2) Rs. 25 lakhs 87) Which government agency has given authorization to set up Infrastructure 3) Rs. 15 lakhs 4) Rs. 1 Crore Investment Trust (InvIT) to monetize 5) None of these National Highway Projects? Answer – 4) Rs. 1 Crore 1) National Transport Authority of India (NTAI) Explanation: 2) National Roadways Authority of India (NRAI) The CCEA approved to introduce the Aircraft 3) National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) (Amendment) Bill, 2019. The bill would make 4) Ministry of Road Transport and Highways amendments to the Aircraft Act, 1934 (XXII of 1934). The 5) None of these Bill will now be introduced in the parliament. The Bill enhances the maximum limit of fine from the existing Rs. Answer – 3) National Highways Authority of India 10 lakhs to Rs. 1 Crore. Requirements of the (NHAI) International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) will be Explanation: fulfilled by the amendment. The CCEA approved the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRT&H) proposal to authorize National 90) Which UT has received cabinet approval for Highways Authority of India(NHAI) to set up revision of Prime Minister’s Development Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT). The InvIT will Package (PMDP) for development of be based on the InvIT guidelines issued by SEBI Horticulture under Mission for Integrated (Securities and Exchange Board of India). It will provide Development of Horticulture (MIDH)? flexibility to investors. InvIT establishment: InvIT will be 1) Ladakh and Daman and Diu a Trust established by NHAI under the Indian Trust Act, 2) Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) and Ladakh 1882 and Securities and Exchange Board of India 3) Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) and Daman and Diu (Infrastructure Investment Trusts) Regulations, 2014. It 4) Daman and Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli may hold assets either directly or through an SPV or a 5) None of these holding. Answer – 2) Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) and Ladakh 88) Which will be amended by the Insolvency and Explanation: Bankruptcy Code (Second Amendment) Bill, The CCEA has approved for the revision/ 2019 to boost investment in financially re-appropriation of approved components of Prime distressed sectors? Minister’s Development Package (PMDP) for 1) Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (code) development of Horticulture in the Union 2) Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2015 (code) Territories(UTs) of Jammu & Kashmir(J&K) and Ladakh 3) Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2017 (code) under Mission for Integrated Development of 4) Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2018 (code) Horticulture (MIDH). It also approved for extension of 5) None of these the implementation of PMDP approved in 2016 beyond 31st March 2019 by 3 years, ie., upto March 31, 2022. Answer – 1) Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (code) 91) India and Japan has signed a Memorandum of Explanation: Cooperation (MOC) in which of the following 18

field, that was approved by cabinet on 1) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) December 11, 2019? 2) Central Drugs Standard Control Organization 1) Defence Cooperation 2) Education (CDSCO) 3) Steel Sector 4) Infrastructure 3) Drug Controller of India (DCGI) 5) None of these 4) National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority Answer – 3) Steel Sector (NPPA) Explanation: 5) None of these The Union Cabinet has approved the signing of a Answer – 2) Central Drugs Standard Control Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) between India and Organization (CDSCO) Japan regarding the formation of ‘India-Japan Steel Explanation: Dialogue’ to strengthen cooperation in the steel sector. Its The Union Cabinet has given its approval for objective is to build capacity for high quality steel Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Central manufacturing in India. Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), the 92) Which country’s coal energy sector has national regulatory body for Indian pharmaceuticals and partnered with India for cooperation in power medical devices & Saudi Food and Drug Authority supply? (SFDA) for Cooperation in the field of medical products 1) Japan 2) North Korea regulations. The agreement was signed on October 29, 3) South Korea 4) Iran 2019 during the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s 5) None of these visit to Saudi Arabia. It was signed by TS Tirumurti, Secretary, Economic Relations (ER), MEA (Ministry of Answer – 1) Japan External affairs) in favor of India & HE Dr Hisham Al Explanation: Jadhey, CEO, SFDA in favor of Saudi Arabia. The Union Cabinet gave its nod for signing the MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) between India & 95) Where did President Ram Nath Kovind laid Japan Coal Energy Center in the field of power supply. foundation stone for Paika Vidroh memorial? This tie-up will improve the environment with the 1) Cuttack, Odisha 2) Balangir, Odisha objective of sustainable, stable and low carbon emission 3) Khurda, Odisha 4) New Delhi, Delhi power supply. The cooperation will also provide a suitable 5) None of these framework to overcome the bottlenecks in the path to Answer – 3) Khurda, Odisha accelerate the generation of carbonated thermal power. Explanation: This will be possible through various studies, training On December 08, 2019 the president of India Shri programs and various activities related to knowledge Ram Nath Kovind laid foundation stone of the Paika sharing. Vidroh Memorial at Barunei foothills in Khurda, Odisha. 93) On December 11, 2019 Union Cabinet has It is a 10-acre memorial in remembrance of the paikas approved the agreement between India and rebellion. The construction of the memorial at Barunei, Brazil in which of the following field? was announced by the govt. in 2017. 1) Tourism 2) Health And Medicine 96) Who leads the Paika rebellion against British 3) Renewable Energy 4) Social Security East India Company’s rule in Odisha in 1817? 5) None of these 1) Bakshi Jagabandhu 2) Birsa Munda Answer – 4) Social Security 3) Surendra Sai 4) Chakhi Khuntia Explanation: 5) None of these The Union Cabinet has approved the agreement Answer – 1) Bakshi Jagabandhu between India and Brazil for social security. There are Explanation: currently around 1,000 Brazilians in India and about Paika rebellion: It is a rebellion under the leadership 4,700 Indians living in Brazil. All the appointed / of Bakshi Jagabandhu against British East India unaffiliated and self employed persons will get benefit Company’s rule in Odisha in 1817. The govt also from this proposal without any discrimination. celebrated the completion of 200 years of the rebellion in 94) Which organization has signed an 2017. A chair in the name of Buxi Jagabandhu has been Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with established in the Utkal University, Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) for Bubaneshwar(Odisha) for more study and research on Cooperation in the field of medical products Paika Rebellion. The cost of expenditure was Rs 5 crore regulations? and a memorial coin and stamp was released in 2018. 19

This was done in order to create awareness on the borders. London, New York and can be counted rebellion. as global financial centres. 97) Who will head the 3-member inquiry 99) Which organization has partnered with the commission constituted by Supreme Court National Institute of design & launched the 2 (SC) to inquire into the encounter killing of Initiatives namely Chartered Designs of India the four accused involved in the Hyderabad (CDI) and the Design Education Quality Mark (Telangana) gang-rape and murder case of a (DEQM) in New Delhi? veterinarian? 1) Association of Designers of India (ADI) 1) Mathur 2) World Design Council (WDC) 2) Kalyan Jyoti Sengupta 3) India Design Council (IDC) 3) Surinder Singh Nijjar 4) Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) 4) V S Sirpurkar 5) None of these 5) None of these Answer – 3) India Design Council (IDC) Answer – 4) V S Sirpurkar Explanation: Explanation: On December 12, 2019, India Design Council (IDC), On December 12, 2019 the Supreme Court (SC) has an autonomous body of Government of India (GoI) in appointed a 3-member inquiry commission to be headed association with National Institute of design, by former apex court judge V S Sirpurkar to inquire into Ahmedabad, Gujarat have launched the 2 Initiatives the encounter killing of the four accused involvedin the namely Chartered Designs of India (CDI) and the Design Hyderabad(Telangana) gang-rape and murder case of a Education Quality Mark (DEQM) in New Delhi. The veterinarian. The report has to be submitted to the SC designs are aimed to address 5 challenges of scale, quality within 6 months. The bench also comprising of Justice S of design, quality of education for design, raising the Abdul Nazeer and Justice Sanjiv Khanna, ordered that priority for design in industry and design for a public security to the commission will be provided by the CRPF purpose. (Central Reserve Police Force). 100) Where was the Transforming Education 98) Name the bill, passed by Parliament to set up Conference for Humanity (TECH) 2019 jointly a unified authority to regulate all financial organized by UNESCO-MGIEP in partnership services in India? with Andhra Pradesh State Government & 1) International Economic Services Centres Ministry of Human Resources Development (IESCs) Authority Bill, 2019 held? 2) International Financial Services Centres (IFSCs) 1) Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh (AP) Authority Bill, 2019 2) Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh (AP) 3) International Public Servants (Inquiries)(IPSs) 3) Nellore, Andhra Pradesh (AP) Authority Bill, 2019 4) Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh (AP) 4) International Financial Reorganisation Centres 5) None of these (IFRCs) Authority Bill, 2019 Answer – 1) Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh (AP) 5) None of these Explanation: Answer – 2) International Financial Services A 3-day Transforming Education Conference for Centres (IFSCs) Authority Bill, 2019 Humanity (TECH) 2019 was jointly organized by United Explanation: Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural On December 12, 2019 the Rajya Sabha(RS) passed Organisation (UNESCO) Institute of the International Financial Services Centres (IFSCs) Education for Peace and Sustainable Development Authority Bill, 2019. The bill was passed to set up a (MGIEP), in partnership with the State Government of unified authority to regulate all financial services in Andhra Pradesh and the Ministry of Human Resources IFSCs in India. Prior to RS, the Lok Sabha(LS) passed the Development, Government of India(GoI) at Novotel hotel bill on December 11, 2019 and will become a law once the in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh (AP) from December president Shri Ram Nath Kovind gives his assent. IFSC: 10-12,2019. Financial centres that cater to customers outside their 101) Name the programme launched by United own jurisdiction are referred to as international (IFCs) or Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural offshore Financial Centers (OFCs). These centres deal Organisation (UNESCO) Mahatma Gandhi with finance flows, financial products and services across Institute of Education for Peace and 20

Sustainable Development (MGIEP) in super communication Samruddhi expressway partnership with Dell that aims to train ? teachers in schools? 1) Bal Thackeray 2) Shanti Patel 1) Dell Samakhya programme 3) Madhavrao Bagal 4) Apeksha Patil 2) Dell Shiksha programme 5) None of these 3) Dell Vocational programme Answer – 1) Bal Thackeray 4) Dell Aarambh programme Explanation: 5) None of these On December 12, 2019, the Mumbai state cabinet Answer – 4) Dell Aarambh programme Maharashtra minister Eknath Shinde has approved to Explanation: name the under-construction Mumbai-Nagpur super United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural communication Samruddhi expressway after Shiv Sena Organisation (UNESCO) Mahatma Gandhi Institute of party founder late Bal Thackeray. The cabinet also Education for Peace and Sustainable Development approved an additional share capital of Rs.3,500 crores to (MGIEP) entered into a new partnership with Dell for the reduce the burden of loan that will be raised for this Dell Aarambh programme that aims to train teachers in project. This in turn will bring down the interest amount schools all over India in how to use technology to teach by Rs.2,500 crores. It is a 700-km super expressway, students better. The training in Dell Aarambh will focus which is scheduled to be completed in 2021. This on teaching teachers the use of Information and expressway is expected to cut down the travel time Communication Technology (ICT) and frontier between Mumbai and Nagpur by than nine hours. Project technologies to stay relevant and invest in the sole Cost: The estimated total cost of the project is around purpose of achieving Quality Education. Rs.,335 crores. 102) Name the Chief of General of the Vietnam 105) India is set to reconstruct 11 heritage sites People’s Army’s (VPA), who visited India under Indian National Trust for Art and recently? Cultural Heritage (INTACH) in which of the 1) Be Xuan Truong 2) Pham Hong Huong following country? 3) Phan Van Giang 4) Ngo Xuan Lich 1) Bangladesh 2) Sri Lanka 5) None of these 3) Nepal 4) Myanmar Answer – 3) Phan Van Giang 5) None of these Explanation: Answer – 3) Nepal Vietnam People’s Army’s (VPA) Chief of the General Explanation: Staff General Phan Van Giang is on 5-day official visit to On December 12, 2019 the Indian embassy of the India from November 24-28, 2019. govt of India has deployed Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) to provide consultancy 103) Which country has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for cooperation in the services for Post-Earthquake reconstruction of 11 field of education and scientific research with Cultural Heritage sites in Nepal. The agreement was India recently? signed between Dr. Ajay Kumar, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of India and Dr. C.T. Mishra, Member Secretary 1) Cambodia 2) Vietnam of INTACH in Kathmandu, Nepal. 3) Thailand 4) United Kingdom 5) None of these 106) Which act will be amended by the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019? Answer – 2) Vietnam 1) Citizenship Act, 1955 Explanation: 2) Citizenship Act, 1945 On November 26, 2019 India and Vietnam signed a 3) Citizenship Act, 1935 Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) for cooperation in the field of education and scientific research. The MoU 4) Citizenship Act, 1965 was signed following a meeting between Indian Defence 5) None of these Minister Rajnath Singh and Vietnam People’s Army’s Answer – 1) Citizenship Act, 1955 (VPA) Chief of the General Staff General Phan Van Explanation: Giang. The signing was done on Van Giang’s 5-day official On December 12, 2019 the President of India Shri visit to India from November 24-28, 2019. Ram Nath Kovind approved the Citizenship 104) Whose name is set to be named after the (Amendment) Bill, 2019. After his assent, the bill has under-construction 700 km Mumbai-Nagpur 21 changed into Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019. This Meghalaya, Mizoram and Tripura as included in the sixth act amended Citizenship Act, 1955. schedule of the Constitution. 107) Which countries non-Muslims migrants will 110) Name the states that are protected by the get citizenship if they migrated to India on or Inner Line Permit (ILP) where, Citizenship before December 31, 2014 as per the new Amendment Act 2019 can’t be implemented? Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019? 1) Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram and 1) Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Myanmar Nagaland 2) Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan 2) Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya and 3) Bangladesh, Pakistan and Nepal Nagaland 4) Bangladesh, Nepal and Afghanistan 3) Arunachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal 5) None of these and Nagaland Answer – 2) Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan 4) Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, Meghalaya and Explanation: Nagaland On December 12, 2019 the President of India Shri 5) None of these Ram Nath Kovind approved the Citizenship Answer – 1) Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram (Amendment) Bill, 2019. After his assent, the bill has and Nagaland changed into Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019. This Explanation: act amended Citizenship Act, 1955 by granting The act will not be applicable to tribal areas of citizenship to undocumented non-Muslims migrants from Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Tripura as included in Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan who came to the sixth schedule of the Constitution and States of India on or before December 31, 2014. Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur Mizoram and Nagaland 108) After how many years, the migrants from that are protected by the Inner Line Permit (ILP). Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan will Citizens of other states should possess ILP to visit the receive the residence in India for citizenship four States (Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram and by naturalization? Nagaland) as per the Bengal Eastern Frontier 1) 4 years 2) 7 years 3) 10 years 4) 5 years Regulation, 1873. 5) None of these 111) Which of the following communities from Answer – 4) 5 years three neighbouring countries (Bangladesh, Explanation: Pakistan and Afghanistan) are only allowed to On December 12, 2019 the President of India Shri take up jobs, purchase land or settle down in Ram Nath Kovind approved the Citizenship India as per the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, (Amendment) Bill, 2019. After his assent, the bill has 2019? changed into Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019. This 1) Hindu, Buddhist, Christian and Zoroastrianism act amended Citizenship Act, 1955 by granting 2) Hindu, Buddhist, Christian, Parsi, Jain and Sikh citizenship to undocumented non-Muslims migrants from 3) Hindu, Buddhist, Christian and Jain Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan who came to 4) Hindu, Buddhist, Christian, Islam, Jain and Sikh India on or before December 31, 2014. The act will also 5) None of these relax the requirement of residence in India for citizenship Answer – 2) Hindu, Buddhist, Christian, Parsi, Jain by naturalisation from 11 years to 5 years for these and Sikh migrants. Explanation: 109) Which schedule of the Constitution states that As per the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 tribal areas of Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram Illegal migrants other than the 6 communities which are and Tripura will not be affected with , Buddhist, Christian, Parsi, Jain and Sikh from Citizenship Amendment Act 2019? the three neighbouring countries (Bangladesh, Pakistan 1) Fourth 2) Second 3) Sixth 4) Fifth and Afghanistan) will not be able to take up jobs, 5) None of these purchase land or settle down in these areas. Answer – 3) sixth 112) Where will the 36th International Geological Explanation: Congress (IGC) with the theme ‘Geosciences: Act excluded regions: The Citizenship Amendment The Basic Science for Sustainable Act 2019 will not be applicable to tribal areas of Assam, Development’ held? 1) Tokyo, Japan 2) Beijing, China 22

3) Washington D.C., United States 4) Jaipur, Rajasthan 4) New Delhi, India 5) None of these 5) None of these Answer – 2) Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh (UP) Answer – 4) New Delhi, India Explanation: Explanation: On December 14, 2019 1st meeting of the National India is to host the 36th International Geological Ganga Council held in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh(UP). The Congress (IGC) in New Delhi on the first week of March aim of the council was to reinforce the importance of a 2020. The theme of the conference is ‘Geosciences: The ‘Ganga-centric’ approach in all departments of the Basic Science for Sustainable Development’. The event is concerned states as well as relevant Central Ministries. to be organized by the Ministry of Mines. The council was responsible for superintendence of 113) ____ edition of the Economic Census, first pollution prevention and rejuvenation of River Ganga digital census was launched in New Delhi Basin, including Ganga and its tributaries. recently? 116) Who chaired the 1st meeting of the National 1) 5th 2) 6th 3) 7th 4) 8th Ganga Council in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh (UP)? 5) None of these 1) Nirmala Sitharaman 2) Amit Shah Answer – 3) 7th 3) Rajnath Singh 4) Narendra Modi Explanation: 5) None of these On December 13, 2019 7th edition of the Economic Answer – 4) Narendra Modi Census was launched in New Delhi. To carry out the Explanation: economic census, Ministry of Statistics and Program On December 14, 2019 the Prime Minister of India Implementation (MoSPI) tied up with Common Service Shri Narendra Modi chaired the 1st meeting of the Centres Network (CSCN). CSC is an SPV (Special National Ganga Council in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh(UP). Purpose Vehicle) under Ministry of Electronics and The aim of the council was to reinforce the importance of a IT(MeitY). It is for the first time the census is being ‘Ganga-centric’ approach in all departments of the conducted in digital platform named ICT (Information concerned states as well as relevant Central Ministries. and Communication Technology). The council was responsible for superintendence of 114) What was the theme of the FICCI ARISE pollution prevention and rejuvenation of River Ganga Conference 2019 that held in New Delhi? Basin, including Ganga and its tributaries. 1) Theme – “Future Ready Learners and Schools” 117) How much capital was allocated to Namami 2) Theme – “Schools of Future: Learners of Gange project for the year 2015-20 to the five Tomorrow” states (Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, 3) Theme – “School Education 3.0; Student First” Jharkhand, and West Bengal)? 4) Theme – “The Future now streaming” 1) Rs. 20,000 crores 2) Rs. 10,000 crores 5) None of these 3) Rs. 15,000 crores 4) Rs. 5,000 crores Answer – 1) Theme – “Future Ready Learners and 5) None of these Schools” Answer – 1) Rs. 20,000 crores Explanation: Explanation: On December 9, 2019, Vice President of India, Shri Rs.20,000 crores allocated: Various initiatives M. Venkaiah Naidu has inaugurated the 2-day FICCI undertaken by the govt like Namami Gange project in ARISE Conference 2019 based on the theme ‘Future 2014 were reiterated. The Central Government, for the Ready Learners and Schools’ held at Dr. Ambedkar 1st time made commitment of Rs. 20,000 crores for the International center in New Delhi. It was organized by period 2015-20 to the five states (Uttarakhand, Uttar Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal) through Industry (FICCI) with the aim to collaborate the views which Ganga passes, to ensure adequate and from key stakeholders on achieving India’s vision of uninterrupted water flows in the river. becoming a knowledge and human resource hub. 118) Which organization/ministry has decided to 115) Where was the 1st meeting of the National establish a Sustainable Development Cell Ganga Council held? (SDC) to promote environmentally sustainable 1) New Delhi, Delhi coal mining in India? 2) Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh (UP) 1) Coal Mines Provident Fund Organisation 3) Chandigarh, Haryana 2) Coal Authority of India 23

3) Ministry of Coal Indo-Pacific” held in New Delhi from 4) World Coal Association December 13-14, 2019? 5) None of these 1) 11th 2) 13th 3) 15th 4) 17th Answer – 3) Ministry of Coal 5) None of these Explanation: Answer – 1) 11th On December 16, 2019, The Ministry of Coal has Explanation: decided to create Sustainable Development Cell (SDC) Delhi Dialogue XI held in New Delhi from December with the aim to promote coal mining in an 13-14, 2019. It was for the 1st time these two Track 1.5 environmentally sustainable manner in India & to dialogue (discussion involving officials and non-officials, address environmental concerns during the business leaders, business organisations and all possible decommissioning/closure of mines. non diplomats of two states/countries) were held 119) Where was the International Seminar on consecutively and on similar Indo-Pacific themes. The Climate Smart Farming Systems’ for 2019 theme for the 11th Delhi Dialogue was “Advancing BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Partnership in Indo-Pacific”. Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic 122) Name the organization that has partnered Cooperation) countries held? with National Bank of Agriculture and Rural 1) , Bangladesh 2) New Delhi, India Development (NABARD) to promote 3) Kathmandu, Nepal 4) Bangkok, Thailand agriculture & farming systems research in 5) None of these New Delhi? Answer – 2) New Delhi, India 1) National Academy of Agricultural Sciences Explanation: 2) Council of Scientific and Industrial Research On 11th December 2019, a three day ‘International (CSIR) Seminar on Climate Smart Farming Systems’ for 3) Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral 4) National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources Technical and Economic Cooperation) countries began at 5) None of these the National Agricultural Science Centre (NASM) Answer – 3) Indian Council of Agricultural Research complex, in New Delhi. (ICAR) 120) What was the theme of the 6th Indian Ocean Explanation: Dialogue for the year 2019 that held in New On December 13, 2019 the Indian Council of Delhi? Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the National Bank of 1) Theme – “Indo-Pacific: Peace and Development Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) signed a in the Indian Ocean Rim” Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to carry a 2) Theme – “Indo-Pacific: Sustainable Development research on agriculture & farming systems with active in the Indian Ocean Rim” participation from farmers. The research will be of active 3) Theme – “Indo-Pacific: Economic Development in participation on climate resilient practices, models and the Indian Ocean Rim” integrated and hi-tech farming practices in a 4) Theme – “Indo-Pacific: Re-imagining the Indian participatory model. The aim of this MoU was to promote Ocean through an Expanded Geography” sustainable agriculture and climate resilient farming systems. 5) None of these Answer – 4) Theme – “Indo-Pacific: Re-imagining the 123) Which Organization has invoked the Drug Indian Ocean through an Expanded Geography” Price Control Order (DPCO) 2013, to increase the ceiling price of 21 medicines that are Explanation: under DPCO price regulation by 50%? The Ministry of External Affairs(MEA) hosted the 1) Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) 6th Indian Ocean Dialogue and the 11th edition of the Delhi dialogue i.e., Delhi Dialogue XI in New Delhi from 2) National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority December 13-14, 2019. The 2019 theme for 6th Indian (NPPA) Ocean Dialogue was “Indo-Pacific: Re-imagining the 3) Central Drugs Standard Control Organization Indian Ocean through an Expanded Geography”. (CDSCO) 4) Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) 121) ______edition of Delhi Dialogue with the theme “Advancing Partnership in 5) None of these 24

Answer – 2) National Pharmaceutical Pricing charge of killing his wife. Trakea has recently been Authority (NPPA) bestowed with National SKOCH Police Silver Award at Explanation: New Delhi. On 11th December 2019, National Pharmaceutical 126) Which organization has released a report Pricing Authority (NPPA), Government of India has titled “Digital States of India – A Comparative invoked the Drug Price Control Order (DPCO) 2013, to Analysis”? increase the ceiling price of 21 medicines that are under 1) Deloitte Consulting LLP DPCO price regulation by 50%. The revision has been 2) Gartner made under Para 19 of DPCO 2013. 3) Coeus Age 124) What was the theme of the 37th National 4) Gallup Symposium of Heads of Police Training 5) None of these Institutions organized by Bureau of Police Answer – 3) Coeus Age Research and Development (BPR&D) in New Explanation: Delhi? On December 15, 2019, research and consulting 1) Theme – “Promoting E-Learning for Police organization Coeus Age Consulting has released a report Training” titled “Digital States of India – A Comparative Analysis”. 2) Theme – “Challenges in Teaching Technology to The report which is a 2nd in series with the first report Adult Learners” launched in 2017, is about mapping all the States and 3) Theme – “Government funded resources Union Territories(UT) of India on their policy and available for E- Learning” infrastructure readiness and mission mode project’s 4) Theme – “Optimal Utilization of performance. Resources-Through Sharing and Networking” 127) Which state has topped in the policy and 5) None of these infrastructure readiness, mission mode Answer – 4) Theme – “Optimal Utilization of projects performance as per the Coeus Age Resources-Through Sharing and Networking” report titled “Digital States of India – A Explanation: Comparative Analysis”? On 13th December 2019, the 37th National 1) Chhattisgarh 2) Andhra Pradesh Symposium of Heads of Police Training Institutions was 3) Maharashtra 4) Madhya Pradesh organized by the Bureau of Police Research and 5) None of these Development (BPR&D) in New Delhi. The theme of the Answer – 1) Chhattisgarh symposium was ‘Optimal Utilization of Explanation: Resources-Through Sharing and Networking’. The event On December 15, 2019, research and consulting was inaugurated by chief guest, Archana organization Coeus Age Consulting has released a report Ramasundaram, Member of Lokpal, Government of titled “Digital States of India – A Comparative Analysis”. India. The report which is a 2nd in series with the first report 125) Name the first Indian state to introduce launched in 2017, is about mapping all the States and ‘Trakea’, a unique barcoding software’ which Union Territories(UT) of India on their policy and helps to enable foolproof security of the infrastructure readiness and mission mode project’s samples collected in Forensic reports? performance. As per the report’s mapping, Chhattisgarh 1) Haryana 2) Kerala has emerged as the top state. Chhattisgarh was followed 3) Maharashtra 4) Madhya Pradesh by Maharashtra, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh and Madhya 5) None of these Pradesh in the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th place respectively. It Answer – 1) Haryana is to be noted that 5th ranked Madhya pradesh was Explanation: ranked 1st in 2017. On 13th December 2019, Haryana police have 128) Name the gram panchayat that topped in the introduced a software named “Trakea” to enable foolproof 2019 rankings under Mission Antyodaya security of the samples collected in Forensic reports. scheme? Haryana became the first State in the country to 1) Athirampuzha (Kerala) introduce this unique barcoding system. The software 2) Jangnapara (Meghalaya) was developed by Amit Mishra, a software engineer who 3) Bambhani (Gujarat) was in Bhondsi jail for 13 months imprisoned on the 4) Molugamboondi (Tamil Nadu) 25

5) None of these 131) Who is the brand ambassador of the “ISAPTI Answer – 4) Molugamboondi (Tamil Nadu) IRADA”? Explanation: 1) P.V Sindhu 2) Geeta Phogat On December 14, 2019, 2019 rankings on gram 3) Dutee Chand 4) panchayats in the country, on implementation of 5) None of these development and infrastructure programmes under the Answer – 1) P.V Sindhu Mission Antyodaya scheme was released. As per the Explanation: ranking, Tamil Nadu’s (TN) Molugamboondi gram P.V Sindhu, Indian Shuttle player is the brand panchayat topped the ranking for the year 2019. Gujarat ambassador of the Isapti Irada. has most top 10 entries with 99 gram panchayats in the 132) Name the program that was launched with an list. The rankings in detail are as follows: Bambhaniya aim to make public spaces, friendly for GP of Bhavnagar in Gujarat ranked second on the list persons with disabilities? while four more Gujarat panchayats were tied for third 1) Indian Sign Language Research and Training ranks. One in Maharashtra, two each of Punjab and Campaign (ISLRTC) Tamil Nadu, and five Gujarat panchayats were tied at 2) Disabled Support Campaign (DSC) fourth ranking. 3) Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Campaign 129) Which organization has organized the (DDRC) “Steeling India- 2019: Driving metal intensity 4) Accessible India Campaign in key sectors”? 5) None of these 1) The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) Answer – 4) Accessible India Campaign 2) Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Explanation: 3) National Association of Software and Services Accessible India Campaign is a program that aims to Companies (NASSCOM) make public spaces friendly for persons with disabilities. 4) Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and It is also known as Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan. Industry (FICCI) 5) None of these 133) Which month is set as deadline by Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) for Answer – 2) Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Accessible India Campaign or Sugamya Explanation: Bharat Abhiyan? On 16th December 2019, Confederation of Indian 1) May 2020 2) March 2020 Industry (CII) organized the “Steeling India- 2019: 3) January 2020 4) April 2020 Driving metal intensity in key sectors”. Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister for Steel and Petroleum & 5) None of these Natural Gas participated in the event. The event aims to Answer – 2) March 2020 expand the economic activity in the implementation of Explanation: government schemes and to promote drive steel usage in On December 13, 2019 the ministry of Social Justice rural areas. and Empowerment(MoSJE) has announced to extend the deadline of Accessible India Campaign to March 2020 due 130) Name the campaign launched in India to increase the appropriate usage of steel in to its slowed progress. The decision in this regard was India? taken by the Central Advisory Board(CAB) chaired by social justice and empowerment minister Shri Thawar 1) Da Da Ding Chand Gehlot. Accessible India Campaign is a program 2) MAI DIL HUA BACCHE that aims to make public spaces friendly for persons with 3) ISAPTI IRADA disabilities. 4) JAANE KYA DIKH JAAYE 134) Which scheme was modified to boost the 5) None of these productivity of Micro, Small and Medium Answer – 3) ISAPTI IRADA Enterprises (MSME) sector through access to Explanation: credit at reduced cost? Dharmendra Pradhan also discussed about “ISAPTI 1) Coir Vikas Yojana (CVY) IRADA” at the event. It is a campaign that aims to 2) Credit Linked Capital Subsidy Scheme increase the appropriate usage of steel in India thereby 3) Interest Subvention Scheme bringing more strength to the society. 4) Grievance Monitoring Scheme 26

5) None of these the sponsorship of North Eastern Council(NEC), to Answer – 3) Interest Subvention Scheme promote the fruit and encourage its growers. Explanation: 138) The 95th edition of ‘Tansen Samaroh’ for the On December 16, 2019, In a bid to boost the year 2019 held in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh productivity of small enterprises, Shri Nitin Gadkari, (MP), it is associated with which art form? Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises 1) Singing 2) Painting (MSME) & Road Transport & Highways, has approved 3) Classical Music 4) Dance changes to operational guidelines of the interest 5) None of these subvention scheme for MSMEs. Answer – 3) Classical Music 135) UAN was in news recently, What does ‘U’ Explanation: stands for? On December 17, 2019 A 5-day long 95th edition of 1) Udyog 2) Unique Popular classical music festival ‘Tansen Samaroh 2019’, 3) Upgradation 4) Udan has commenced in Gwalior ,Madhya Pradesh(MP) with 5) None of these Harikatha and Milad. The festival is an annual Answer – 1) Udyog celebration (started in 1924) in memory of Mian Tansen, Explanation: a prominent 16-century composer, U stands for Udyog in UAN.The full form of UAN is musician and vocalist. Udyog Aadhar Number (UAN). 139) Who was conferred with the National Tansen 136) When the claim will be settled on basis of Samman Award for the year 2019? internal or concurrent auditor’s certificate 1) Vidyadhar Vyas and on submission of certificate of statutory 2) Shounak Abhisheki auditor after modifying the Interest 3) Subvention Scheme? 4) Jitendra Abhisheki 1) January 15, 2020 2) January 30, 2020 5) None of these 3) June15,2020 4) June 30,2020 Answer – 1) Pandit Vidyadhar Vyas 5) None of these Explanation: Answer – 4) June 30,2020 The Madhya Pradesh Government has conferred the Explanation: annual Tansen Samman for the year 2019 upon Pandit On December 16, 2019, In a bid to boost the Vidyadhar Vyas (75), an Indian Hindustani vocalist, and productivity of small enterprises, Shri Nitin Gadkari, a contemporary exponent of the Paluskar of North Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Indian classical singing. The award carries a cash prize of (MSME) & Road Transport & Highways, has approved Rs 2 lakh and is given to outstanding exponents of changes to operational guidelines of the interest Hindustani classical music. subvention scheme for MSMEs. As per the changes made 140) Which act was amended by the Arms in the scheme, the claim will be settled once by June (Amendment) Act, 2019, that received 30,2020 on the basis of internal or concurrent auditor’s President’s approval recently? certificate and on submission of certificate of statutory 1) Arms Act 1949 2) Arms Act 1939 auditor. 3) Arms Act 1929 4) Arms Act 1959 137) Which state celebrated the 16th edition of the 5) None of these State-level Orange Festival on December 16, Answer – 4) Arms Act 1959 2019? Explanation: 1) Assam 2) Manipur 3) Meghalaya 4) Mizoram On December 16, 2019 the president of India Shri 5) None of these Ram Nath Kovind approved the Arms (Amendment) Bill, Answer – 2) Manipur 2019. After his assent, the bill became an act with effect Explanation: from December 14, 2019. The act aims to provide effective On December 16, 2019, the 16th edition of the deterrence against violation of law. The act has amended State-level Orange Festival began at Manipur. The 3-day Arms Act 1959. festival which will be held until 18, 2019 was inaugurated 141) What is the enhanced license period of Arms by Manipur’s Chief Minister (CM) Shri Nongthombam (Amendment) Act, 2019? Biren Singh at district headquarters Tamenglong. The 1) 12 years 2) 5 years festival is conducted annually by the Manipur govt under 27

3) 7 years 4) 10 years On December 11, 2019, FICCI (Federation of Indian 5) None of these Chambers of Commerce and Industry), an association of Answer – 2) 5 years business organizations in India, has organized the 9th Explanation: edition of Global Sports Summit ‘TURF 2019‘ & India The Arms (Amendment) Act, 2019 will enhance the sports awards 2019 at the FICCI Federation house in period of arms license from 3 years to 5 years and also to New Delhi. Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the issue arms license in its electronic form to prevent Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Kiran Rijiju was forgery. the chief guest of the event. 142) How many guns can an individual possess as 145) Name the mission launched by Shri per the Arms (Amendment) Act, 2019? Shankar Prasad to engage all the people in 1) 5 guns 2) 4 guns digital communication infrastructure? 1) National Communication Mission (NCM) 3) 2 guns 4) 3 guns 2) National Broadband Mission (NBM) 5) None of these 3) National Digital Mission (NDM) Answer – 3) 2 guns 4) National Digital Communication Mission (NDM) Explanation: 5) None of these On December 16, 2019 the president of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind approved the Arms (Amendment) Bill, Answer – 2) National Broadband Mission (NBM) 2019. After his assent, the bill became an act with effect Explanation: from December 14, 2019. According to the act, in addition On December 17, 2019 The Minister for to the limit of two guns being allowed, individuals would Communications, Law & Justice and Electronics and be allowed to retain ancestral guns in a deactivated state. Information Technology(IT), Shri Prasad Thus, ancestral guns may be kept as a demo gun that it launched National Broadband Mission (NBM) in New must not be in a condition to fire. Delhi. The mission’s aim is to enable all the people to engage in digital communication infrastructure. The 143) Which state police were honoured with ‘President’s colours’ and became the 7th to minister also launched logo of NBM and a booklet on the receive the honour? occasion. 1) Gujarat 2) West Bengal 146) What is the target year set by the government 3) Tamil Nadu 4) Uttar Pradesh of India to provide broadband access to all 5) None of these villages under National Broadband Mission (NBM)? Answer – 1) Gujarat 1) 2022 2) 2023 3) 2025 4) 2030 Explanation: 5) None of these On December 15, 2019 the state police of Gujarat Answer – 1) 2022 were honoured with ‘President’s colours’. The Gujarat police were presented with the President’s colours by Vice Explanation: President of India Shri Muppavarapu Venkaiah Naidu in On December 17, 2019 The Minister for Gandhinagar, Gujarat. They were presented the Communications, Law & Justice and Electronics and president’s colours for their outstanding services. Information Technology(IT), Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad launched National Broadband Mission (NBM) in New 144) Which organization has organized the 9th Delhi.The Mission has set a target to provide Broadband edition of Global Sports Summit ‘TURF - access to all villages by 2022. 2019‘? 1) National Association of Software and Services 147) How much monthly GST (Goods and Services Companies (NASSCOM) Tax) target was set by the Ministry of Finance 2) The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) (MoF) for the remaining four months (December 2019 to March 2020) of the fiscal 3) Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) year (FY 2019-20)? 4) Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and 1) Rs 1.3 trillion 2) Rs 1.5 trillion Industry (FICCI) 3) Rs 1.6 trillion 4) Rs 1.1 trillion 5) None of these 5) None of these Answer – 4) Federation of Indian Chambers of Answer – 4) Rs 1.1 trillion Commerce and Industry (FICCI) Explanation: Explanation: 28

On December 17, 2019, the Ministry of 3) Aarey, Mumbai, Maharashtra Finance(MoF) has set Rs 1.1 trillion monthly GST (Goods 4) Kazhipattur , Chennai, Tamil Nadu and Services Tax) target for the remaining four months of 5) None of these the fiscal year (FY 2019-20) and asked tax officials to step Answer – 1) Dwarka, New Delhi, Delhi up efforts to achieve the goal. The announcement was Explanation: made in a meeting amid government may fall short of tax On 17th December 2019, Amit Shah, Union Minister collection target in a slowing economy. of Home Affairs (MHA) presided over in the ceremony to 148) Name the certificate, that is mandatory for lay foundation stone for the Bharat Vandana Park, recycling the ships in India as per the Dwarka, New Delhi in the presence of Union minister Recycling of Ships Act, 2019? Hardeep Singh Puri, Lieutenant Governor (LG) Anil 1) ‘Certificate for Recycling’ Baijal, Member of parliament (MP) Parvesh Verma and 2) ‘Ready for Instant Recycling Certificate’ Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari at New Delhi. The park will 3) ‘Ready for Recycling Certificate’ be a tourist attraction covering an area of 200 acres 4) ‘Certificate for Recycling in India’ at a cost of Rs.550 crores, the park is located near the 5) None of these International Airport and metro station. Answer – 3) ‘Ready for Recycling Certificate’ The park is to be developed by Delhi Development Explanation: Authority (DDA) and will be completed by March 2022. On December 13, 2019 the President of India Shri 151) Name the National Outreach Program, Ram Nath Kovind approved the Recycling of Ships Bill, launched by Anup Wadhawan & Chairman of 2019. After his assent the bill became an Act with effect Government e-Marketplace (GeM) to bring from December 13, 2019. Ships to be recycled in India will more local sellers on-board? need to obtain a ‘Ready for Recycling Certificate’ in 1) GeM Adarsh 2) GeM Suraksha accordance with the Hong Kong Convention. In this 3) GeM Shram 4) GeM Samvaad regard, a large number of recycling plots, especially at 5) None of these Alang,Gujarat, have obtained Statement of Compliance Answer – 4) GeM Samvaad (SOC) with the Hong Kong Convention. Explanation: 149) Which country’s National Centre for Scientific On December 17, 2019, Anup Wadhawan, Secretary Research (CNRS) has signed a MoU with of Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce & Council of Scientific & Industrial Research Industry, Government of India (GoI) and Chairman of (CSIR), India to establish a framework for Government e-Marketplace (GeM) has launched the promoting and supporting scientific and national outreach program ‘GeM Samvaad’ in New Delhi. technological research by cooperation? The program will be held from 19, December 2019 -17, 1) Russia 2) 3) United States February 2020 with the participation of stakeholders 4) Bangladesh 5) None of these across the country and with local vendors to facilitate Answer – 2) France on-boarding of local vendors on the market.The market Explanation: through GeM Samvaad aims to get feedback from users On December 17, 2019 the Council of Scientific & which will be used to improve the system. Industrial Research (CSIR), India and the National 152) Where did Minister of External Affairs (MEA) Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), France has signed Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar co-chaired the a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a 6th Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) between framework for promoting and supporting scientific and India and Maldives? technological research by cooperation. CSIR and CNRS 1) Mumbai, India 2) Mula, Maldives have had long standing relations since 1975. MoU 3) New Delhi, India 4) Malé, Maldives signing: The MoU was signed by Director General(DG) of 5) None of these CSIR, Dr.Shekhar C Mande and President and CEO of Answer – 3) New Delhi, India CNRS France, Prof Antoine Petit. Explanation: 150) Where was the foundation stone of ‘Bharat On December 13, 2019 Minister of External Vandana Park’ worth Rs.550 crores laid by Affairs(MEA) Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Amit Shah? Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid co-chaired the 1) Dwarka, New Delhi, Delhi 6th Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) between India and 2) Gobindapur, Kolkata, West Bengal Maldives in New Delhi. The meeting was held on part of 29

Abdulla Shahid’s 5 day (December 10-14) official visit to 155) Telecom Operators are directed to pay, how India. The meeting was held after a gap of 4 years. much Interconnect Usage Charge (IUC) per 153) How many Memorandum of Understanding minute for mobile calls made on competitors' (MoU)’s were signed between India and networks till 31 December 2020? Maldives during their 6th Joint Commission 1) 8 paise per minute 2) 10 paise per minute Meeting (JCM) in New Delhi? 3) 4 paise per minute 4) 6 paise per minute 1) 5 2) 3 3) 2 4) 4 5) None of these 5) None of these Answer – 4) 6 paise per minute Answer – 2) 3 Explanation: Explanation: On 17th December 2019, the Telecom Regulatory India and Maldives signed 3 Memorandum of Authority of India (TRAI) has decided to make other Understanding (MoU)’s during the 6th Joint Commission telecom operators continue to pay 6 paise per minute for Meeting (JCM) in New Delhi. They are as follows: every outgoing call till 31st December 2020. The rate was reduced from 14 paise to 6 paise from 1st October 2017 Si.No MoU signed Field Indian side MoU and it was to become zero from 1st January 2020. From signing 1st January 2021 the charges of wireless to wireless calls will be made zero as proposed by TRAI. 1 Cooperation between Shri Chandra Bhushan the election Kumar, Deputy 156) Name the programme, that was launched to commissions of India Election skill IT (Information Technology) and Maldives. Commissioner(EC) professionals in new technologies? 1) Future Reskilling PRIME (Programme for 2 Cooperation between Shri Pankaj Kumar Reskilling/Upskilling of IT Manpower for their Financial Mishra, Director of FIU Employability) Intelligence Units(FIU) 2) Future Skills PRIME (Programme for of India and Maldives. Reskilling/Upskilling of IT Manpower for 3 Instrument of Ambassador of India in Employability) Ratification(also MoU) Maldives, Shri Sunjay 3) Future UpSkills PRIME (Programme for for the treaty on mutual Sudhir Reskilling/Upskilling of IT Manpower for legal assistance in Employability) criminal matters of 4) Future Employability PRIME (Programme for India and Maldives. Reskilling/Upskilling of IT Manpower for Employability) 154) Which plant is set to be destroyed using 5) None of these drones by Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Answer – 2) Future Skills PRIME (Programme for the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB)? Reskilling/Upskilling of IT Manpower for Employability) 1) Marijuana Plantations Explanation: 2) White Widow Plantations On 18th December 2019, the Ministry of Electronics 3) Quebec Gold Plantations and Information Technology (MeitY) has approved 4) Nederwiet Plantations Rs.436 crore for Future Skills PRIME (Programme for 5) None of these Reskilling/Upskilling of IT Manpower for Employability) Answer – 1) Marijuana Plantations over a period of three years. The program aims to skill Explanation: 412,000 IT (Information Technology) professionals in On 18th December 2019, The central Government new technologies. The training will be executed by the has decided to deploy drones to destroy marijuana Ministry of Electronics, IT and Nasscom. plantations before it reaches the hands of the drug 157) Under which scheme government of India, cartels. The decision has been taken by the Ministry of aims to construct 1,25,000 km of roads with an Home Affairs (MHA) and the Narcotics Control Bureau estimated cost of about 80,250 crores rupees (NCB). The Centre has planned to use satellites to detect for the period of 2019-20 to 2024-25? marijuana crops and then the crops will be destroyed by 1) Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana the drones by spraying chemicals. (PMSBY) 30

2) Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana Sharad Arvind Bobde, Chief justice of India. It comprises (PMSBHCY) Justice Subhash Reddy and Justice MR Shah. 3) Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan 160) What is the target year set by the government (PM-SYM) of India after extension for Atal Mission for 4) Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation 5) None of these (AMRUT) scheme on December 18, 2019? Answer – 4) Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana 1) 2027 2) 2022 3) 2030 4) 2025 (PMGSY) 5) None of these Explanation: Answer – 2) 2022 On December 18,2019, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar, Explanation: Union Minister of Rural Development, Agriculture and On December 18, 2109 the centre has decided to Farmers Welfare & Panchayati Raj, has launched Phase extend the mission period of its flagship initiative Atal III of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) in Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation New Delhi.The launching event was held on the side lines (AMRUT) for urban renewal from 2020 to 2022. The of the National Workshop on PMGSY organised by the extension was made, as the previously set targets were Ministry of Rural Development. Under this phase, the unable to be met in 500 cities of the country. The central Government aims to construct 1,25,000 km of initiative promises to provide 139 lakh water connections roads with an estimated cost of about 80,250 crores by March 2020, 145 lakh sewer connections, storm water rupees (Central Share of Rs. 53,800 crores) for the period drainage projects, parks and green spaces and LED 2019-20 – 2024-25. (Light Emitting Diodes) streetlights. The total outlay for 158) Which state has recently set up its 1st Special this initiative is Rs 77,640 crore (including central Economic Zone (SEZ) at an estimated cost of assistance of Rs 35,990). Rs 1550 crores that will boost Agro-Based Food 161) Which of the following countries are included Processing industries? in the Indo-Pacific policy as per the decision 1) Tripura in Paschim Jalefa, Sabroom taken in 6th Indian Ocean Dialogue held in 2) Mizoram in Chhipphir, Lunglei New Delhi? 3) Assam in Mushalpur, Baksa 1) Asia and Europe 2) Gulf states and Asia 4) Nagaland in Ongpangkong, Mokokchung 3) Gulf states and Oceania 5) None of these 4) Gulf states and Africa Answer – 1) Tripura in Paschim Jalefa, Sabroom 5) None of these Explanation: Answer – 4) Gulf states and Africa On December 16, 2019 the Ministry of Commerce Explanation: and Industry (MoCI) has announced the setting up of 1st On December 15, 2019 India has increased the area Special Economic Zone(SEZ) in Tripura at an estimated covered by its Indo-Pacific policy. It was announced by cost of Rs 1550 crores. The SEZ is being set up in Paschim Minister of External Affairs(MEA) in his address at the Jalefa, Sabroom of South Tripura District and is 6th Indian Ocean Dialogue held in New Delhi. This has 130kilometers away from Agartala, the capital city. The been done to include western Indian Ocean and Arabian SEZ will be a boost for Agro-Based Food Processing. Sea. With this, the Indian partnership in the Indo-Pacific 159) Supreme Court (SC) has formed a Judge region which includes the Quad, ASEAN, and Western Committee, to speed up the disposal process of Indian Ocean, will additionally include Gulf states and rape cases in India. How many members are Africa. there in the committee? 162) Who chaired the 38th Goods and Services Tax 1) 3 2) 5 3) 2 4) 4 (GST) Council Meeting in New Delhi? 5) None of these 1) Nirmala Sitharaman 2) Narendra Modi Answer – 3) 2 3) Ram Nath Kovind 4) Venkaiah Naidu Explanation: 5) None of these On 17th December 2019, The Supreme Court (SC) Answer – 1) Nirmala Sitharaman has formed two-Judge Committee to speed up the Explanation: disposal process of rape cases across the country. The On December 18, 2019, Union Minister for Finance cases will be monitored by the panel to make the process & Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman has fast and well organized. The panel was announced by chaired the 38th Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council 31

Meeting in New Delhi. The meeting was also attended by 1) Talwar 2) Tropex the Union Minister of State for Finance & Corporate 3) Slinex 4) Apharan Affairs Shri Anurag Thakur besides Finance Ministers of 5) None of these States & UTs and senior officers of Ministry of Finance. Answer – 4) Apharan 163) How much percent of goods and services tax Explanation: (GST) was levied on lottery? On December 18, 2019 the (IN), Indian 1) 18% 2) 5% 3) 28% 4) 12% Coast Guard (ICG) and the Cochin Port Trust conducted 5) None of these large scale anti-hijacking exercise codenamed “Apharan” Answer – 3) 28% off Kochi coast of Kerala. More than 12 ships and Explanation: helicopters of IN, ICG, and Cochin port trust participated The GST council has decided to levy uniform tax on in the exercise. Aim: The aim of the exercise was to lottery will be effective from March 01,2020 at 28%. At provide a response mechanism/ preparedness to thwart present, there are 2 types of taxation on lottery i.e GST is any attempt by rogue elements to hijack a vessel or levied at the rate of 12 % on the sale of the state lottery attempted forced entry into the Kochi harbour. and 28 % on the sale outside the state. 167) Where was the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) 164) What is the new goods and services tax (GST) regional level pollution response exercise levied on woven and non-woven bags from 1 named ‘Swachchh Samundra NW-2019’ held? March 2020? 1) Gulf of Kutch (GoK), Gujarat 1) 5% 2) 18% 3) 28% 4) 12% 2) Ratnagiri, Maharashtra 5) None of these 3) Gulf of Khambhat (GoK), Gujarat Answer – 2) 18% 4) Malvan, Maharashtra Explanation: 5) None of these The Council also rationalized tax rate to 18 % (from Answer – 1) Gulf of Kutch(GoK), Gujarat 12%) on bags belonging to HSN code 3923/6305 (woven Explanation: and non-woven bags and sacks of polythene or The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) conducted a 2-day polypropylene strips or the like , whether or not regional level pollution response exercise named laminated, of a kind used for packing of goods including ‘Swachchh Samundra NW-2019’ at sea off Vadinar in Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers-FIBC). It will be Gulf of Kutch(GoK), Gujarat. The exercise was conducted effective from 1 January 2020. from December 17-18, 2019. The aim of the exercise was 165) Where was the India’s first ‘Vaccination On to create a response mechanism by ICG, by taking actions Wheels’(VOW) Clinic launched by IIT for oil pollution incidents. The exercise focused on Hyderabad's Center for Healthcare combating marine oil spill in the region, exercising Entrepreneurship (CfHE) fellow Mr. Jignesh reporting procedures, testing of communication links, Patel in collaboration with Bill and Melinda threat assessment and deployment of pollution response Gates Foundation? equipment. 1) Guwahati, Assam 2) Pune, Maharashtra 168) Who was awarded with SAR (Search and 3) New Delhi, Delhi 4) Kolkata, West Bengal Rescue) Award for Fisherman during the 18th 5) None of these National Maritime Search and Rescue Board Answer – 2) Pune, Maharashtra (NMSARB) meeting 2019? Explanation: 1) D. Pauly 2) E. Vivekanandan On December 19, 2019, In collaboration with the Bill 3) Anand A Ambhire 4) Devraj.M and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), Jigneh Patel, a 5) None of these fellow at the Center for Healthcare Entrepreneurship Answer – 3) Anand A Ambhire (CfHE) at IIT(Indian Institutes of Technology) Explanation: Hyderabad (Telangana), has launched India’s 1st On December 18, 2019, Indian Coast Guard (ICG), ‘Vaccination On Wheels’(VOW) Clinic in Pune, an armed force that protects India’s maritime interests, Maharashtra. has organised the 18th National Maritime Search and 166) Name the large scale anti-hijacking exercise Rescue Board (NMSARB) meeting 2019 in New Delhi. conducted by Indian Navy in association with The meet, chaired by K Natarajan -Director General (DG) Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and the Cochin Port of Indian Coast Guard and Chairman NMSARB, saw the Trust in Kochi coast, Kerala? discussion over policy issues, formulation of guidelines & 32 procedures and assess the efficacy of National Search and founding partner of this centre. As a founding partner, IR Rescue Plan. will provide data, professional expertise, spare equipment and other available resources directly or S.No Award name Won by through its Centralised Training Institutes and research organisations. 1 SAR Award for MV Asia Emerald III (It Merchant Vessel (MV) saved 6 lives from a 171) Name the first country, that has recognized for the year 2018-19 distressed fishing boat) Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) recently? 1) Afghanistan 2) Israel 2 SAR Award for Anand A Ambhire from 3) Iraq 4) Syria Fisherman Maharashtra (for saving 11 lives from a sinking 5) None of these fishing boat) Answer – 1) Afghanistan Explanation: 3 SAR Award for ICG Ships (ICGS) Sujoy On December 20, 2019, The National Department of Government Owned & ICGS Vikram (for Regulation of Medicines and Health Products of the SAR Unit saving 46 lives from Ministry of Public Health of Islamic Republic of ROSV Sagar Sampada Afghanistan has formally recognized Indian off New Mangalore) Pharmacopoeia (IP), an official book of standards for drugs manufactured & marketed in India in terms of What is the target year set by Ministry of Jal 169) their identity, purity and strength.With this, Shakti to achieve 55 litre per capita per day Afghanistan has become the 1st nation to recognize IP, (lpcd)? which is published by the Indian Pharmacopoeia 1) 2027 2) 2024 3) 2025 4) 2022 Commission (IPC) on behalf of the Department of 5) None of these Commerce, and Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. Answer – 2) 2024 172) Name the Prime Minister of Portugal, who On December 14, 2019 the Ministry of Jal Shakti, visited India recently? submitted its data on water supply and usage by the 1) Hubert Minnis 2) Novruz Mammadov people in the country. As per the data, nearly 3 lakh rural 3) António Luís Santos da Costa habitations in the country were deprived of the govt’s 4) Nikol Pashinyan minimum prescribed provision of 40 litre per capita per 5) None of these day (lpcd) of potable quality drinking water. The aim of the Jal ministry is to achieve 55 lpcd by 2024. Answer – 3) António Luís Santos da Costa Explanation: 170) Which University has signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with National Rail The Prime Minister of Portugal, António Luís Santos Transport Institute (NRTI), Ministry of da Costa, visited India from December 19-20, 2019 on the Railways (MoR) to set up 1st Centre of invitation by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Excellence for Next Generation 173) Who presided the 2nd meeting of National Transportation Systems? Committee for Commemoration of the 150th 1) University of Worcester, Birth anniversary (October 2) of Mahatma 2) University of Bristol, England Gandhi ‘Gandhi@150’ in New Delhi? 3) Newman University, England 1) Nirmala Sitharaman 2) Ram Nath Kovind 4) University of Birmingham, England 3) Narendra Modi 4) Amit Shah 5) None of these 5) None of these Answer – 4) University of Birmingham, England Answer – 2) Ram Nath Kovind Explanation: Explanation: On December 19, 2019 The National Rail Transport On December 19, 2019 the President of India Shri Institute(NRTI), deemed to be a university under the Ram Nath Kovind presided the 2nd meeting of National Ministry of Railways (MoR) signed a Memorandum of Committee for Commemoration of the 150th Birth Understanding (MoU) with the University of anniversary (October 2) of Mahatma Gandhi Birmingham, (England) in New Delhi. The MoU was to ‘Gandhi@150’ which was held in New Delhi. set up 1st Centre of Excellence for Next Generation 174) Which country has announced its 1st edition of Transportation Systems. Indian Railways(IR) is a “Gandhi Citizenship Education Prize” to 33

animal welfare to perpetuate Mahatma 3) Research Network 4) Aware Network Gandhi’s ideals? 5) None of these 1) Italy 2) France 3) Spain 4) Portugal Answer – 2) EChO Network 5) None of these Explanation: Answer – 4) Portugal On December 20, 2019 Prof. Krishnasamy Explanation: VijayRaghavan, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Govt The Prime Minister of Portugal, António Luís Santos of India launched a national program called “EChO da Costa, announced the Portuguese govt’s launch of Network” in New Delhi. The EChO network provides a Gandhi Citizenship Education Prize to perpetuate template for cross-disciplinary leadership in India. The Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals. The announced prize will be purpose of this programme is to bring citizens, govt etc to given annually. 1st edition of the prize will be awarded to solve problems in the areas of research knowledge, and animal welfare. The decision to award animal welfare in awareness of Indian ecology and the environment. 1st edition was taken considering the view of Mahatma 178) What was the theme of the annual meeting of Gandhi that a nation is judged based on how its animals the Associated Chambers of Commerce and are treated. It is to be noted that António Costa is the only Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) that held in foreign Prime Minister to be a part of the National New Delhi? committee. 1) Theme: Communications as a Decisive Catalyst 175) OCI was in news recently, what does ‘O’ for Jointness stands for ______? 2) Theme: Stakeholders for a Cohesive and 1) Overseas 2) Overage Sustainable World 3) Overall 4) Over Countries 3) Theme: Economic growth and innovative future 5) None of these for India’s economy Answer – 1) Overseas 4) Theme: New India Aspiring for 5 trillion USD Explanation: 5) None of these O stands for Overseas in OCI.The full form of OCI is Answer – 4) Theme: New India Aspiring for 5 trillion Overseas Citizenship of India. USD 176) Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has Explanation: relaxed certain guidelines for reissuing of PM Modi addressed the annual meeting of the Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card till Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India June 30, 2020 for the people on which of the (ASSOCHAM) in New Delhi. This is to celebrate the 100 following age group? years of ASSOCHAM. Theme: New India Aspiring for 5 a) Below 20 b) Above 20 & Below 50 trillion USD PM target’s to achieve 5 Trillion Dollar c) Above 50 Economy in upcoming days. He also said that the 1) Only a 2) Only b corporate tax was the lowest ever since this time and this will boost the economic growth in the country. He also 3) Both a & c 4) Both a & b spoke about the Labor Reforms and sweeping reforms in 5) None of these the Banking Sector to make it more transparent and Answer – 3) Both a & c profitable. Explanation: 179) Which tech giant has partnered with On December 19, 2019 the Ministry of External NASSCOM (National Association of Software Affairs (MEA), relaxed certain guidelines for Overseas and Services Companies) to launch ‘Future Citizenship of India (OCI). The relaxation is for reissuing Skills’ platform to train 10,000 engineering of passport for those people aged below 20 years and those students in artificial intelligence (AI), big aged above 50 years. The relaxation which is temporary data, cloud computing, cyber security and has been granted till June 30, 2020. internet of things (IoT)? 177) Name the programme launched by Prof. 1) Wipro 2) Infosys Krishnasamy VijayRaghavan in New Delhi, to 3) Google 4) Microsoft bring citizens, govt etc to solve problems in 5) None of these the areas of research knowledge, and Answer – 1) Wipro awareness of Indian ecology and the environment? Explanation: 1) Solve Network 2) EChO Network 34

On December 20, 2019, Software major Wipro has On December 20, 2019 Andhra Pradesh(AP) topped partnered with Indian IT (Information Technology) the list for organising Fit India Week in schools. So far, industry apex body, NASSCOM (National Association of AP has organised the Fit India Week in 13,839 schools. Software and Services Companies) to launch ‘Future AP was followed by Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh ranked Skills’ platform to train 10,000 students from over 20 2nd & 3rd by organising the programme in 1,967 and engineering colleges in India with new age technologies 1,504 schools respectively. Overall the programme was such as artificial intelligence (AI), big data, cloud organised in 26,845 schools. 21,344 schools obtained the computing, cyber security and internet of things (IoT). Fit India Flag. Again AP topped the list obtaining 8,117 180) Chabahar Agreement, which was seen in news flags. It was followed by Karnataka in the second rank. recently was associated with which countries? 183) What was the theme of the 92nd Annual 1) Bangladesh, India and Pakistan Convention of the Federation of Indian 2) India, Bangladesh and Iran Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) 3) India, Afghanistan and Iran that held in New Delhi? 4) India, Afghanistan and Bangladesh 1) Theme – “Economic growth and innovative 5) None of these future for India’s economy” Answer – 3) India, Afghanistan and Iran 2) Theme – “Promoting a Shared Destiny and Path to Prosperity in the Indian Ocean” Explanation: 3) Theme – “India: Roadmap to a $5 trillion On December 20, 2019, the 2nd meeting of the economy” Follow-up Committee for implementing trilateral Chabahar Agreement between India, Afghanistan and 4) Theme – “Advancing Partnership for Iran was held in New Delhi. The meeting was held at the Sustainability” level of Joint Secretary/ Director General. 5) None of these Answer – 3) Theme – “India: Roadmap to a $5 trillion 181) Mormugoa and New Mangalore Port from India was included as part of designated route economy” under the Chabahar Agreement. Mormugoa Explanation: and New Mangalore Port is located in which The 92nd Annual Convention of the Federation of state? Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) was 1) Goa and Andhra Pradesh conducted in New Delhi from December 20-21,2019. The 2) Goa and Karnataka Union Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas and Steel, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan addressed the 92nd 3) Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh convention. The theme for the year 2019 was “India: 4) Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra Roadmap to a $5 trillion economy”. 5) None of these 184) Where was the Second National Conference on Answer – 2) Goa and Karnataka Uniformed Women in Prisons Administration Explanation: held? During the meeting, it was agreed to include 1) New Delhi, Delhi Mormugao(Goa) and New Mangalore Port(Karnataka) 2) Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh from India in addition to JNPT ( Port 3) Kolkata, West Bengal Trust), Mundra(Gujarat), Kandla(Gujarat) and Cochin(Kerala) ports as part of designated route under 4) Guwahati, Assam the Chabahar Agreement. 5) None of these Answer – 2) Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 182) Name the state, that topped the list for organising Fit India Week in schools? Explanation: 1) Andhra Pradesh (AP) The Second National Conference on Uniformed 2) Uttar Pradesh (UP) Women in Prisons Administration was held at Central Academy for Police Training on 19-20 December 2019 in 3) Kerala Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. The conference was 4) Karnataka inaugurated by the Union Minister of State for Home 5) None of these Nityanand Rai. The Madhya Pradesh Jail Department Answer – 1) Andhra Pradesh (AP) along with the Bureau of Police Research and Explanation: Development (BPR&D) of New Delhi organized the conference. 35

185) Under which fund, Ministry of Women and Agreement (MoA) for implementation of Fisheries and Child Development (MoW&CD) has approved Aquaculture Development Fund (FIDF). The total outlay projects worth Rs 7,000 crore including of the fund is Rs. 7522.48 crores. The FIDF will provide setting up of 1023 fast-track courts? finance to the eligible entities, cooperatives, individuals 1) SWADHAR Greh Fund and entrepreneurs for development of identified fisheries 2) Mahila e-Haat Fund infrastructure. 3) Nirbhaya fund 188) How many fishing harbours will be developed 4) Training and Employment Programme Fund in Tamil Nadu(TN) with an outlay of Rs 420 5) None of these crore from NABARD under the 1st tripartite Answer – 3) Nirbhaya fund Memorandum of Agreement (MoA)? Explanation: 1) Three 2) Four 3) Five 4) Two On December 20, 2019 the Ministry of Women and 5) None of these Child Development (MoW&CD) has announced the Answer – 1) Three approval of projects worth Rs 7,000 crore including Explanation: setting up of 1023 fast-track courts.under Nirbhaya fund. 420 crore approval by govt: Initial concessional These courts were decided to be set up inorder to provide finance of Rs 420 crore from NABARD will be availed by speedy trials of over 1.66 lakh pending cases of crime the TN govt. under the the 1st tripartite agreement. against women and children in India. Under this initial concession, 3 fishing harbours will be 186) To which country, India has granted Rs 2.2 developed in TN. They include Tharangampadi crore for construction of Girls’ Hostel for its (Tranquebar) in Nagapattinam District, Thiruvottriyur Armed Police Force (APF) School? Kuppam in Thiruvallur District and Mudhunagar in 1) Nepal 2) Bangladesh Cuddalore District. These fishing harbours will augment fish production, create employment opportunities etc. 3) Sri Lanka 4) Myanmar 5) None of these 189) Name the Scheme launched by government of Answer – 1) Nepal India in 2015 to improve farm productivity & to improve on-farm water use efficiency Explanation: through a number of measures such as On December 22, 2019, The Government of India Micro-Irrigation (MI)? (GoI) has granted Rs 2.2 crore (40.42 million Nepali 1) Prime Minister Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana Rupees) for construction of Girls’ Hostel for Nepal Armed (PMJJBY) Police Force (APF) School in Kirtipur, Kathmandu.The construction project was implemented by Nepal APF. The 2) Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana inaugural ceremony was attended by Dr Ajay Kumar, (PMSBY) Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of India, Ramsharan 3) Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan Paudel, Assistant Inspector General, Armed Police Force, (PMSYM) Nepal, and others. 4) Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) 187) Which state government has signed 1st tripartite Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) 5) None of these with department of fisheries and NABARD Answer – 4) Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Yojana (PMKSY) Development) for implementation of Explanation: Fisheries and Aquaculture Development On December 22, 2019 the website of the Pradhan Fund (FIDF)? Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) released the 1) Assam 2) West Bengal data on states with coverage of area under 3) Tamil Nadu 4) Kerala micro-irrigation (MI) for the year 2019. 5) None of these 190) Which state government, topped the list in Answer – 3) Tamil Nadu coverage under micro-irrigation for 2019? Explanation: 1) Uttar Pradesh (UP) 2) Tamil Nadu (TN) On December 23, 2019 the department of fisheries of 3) West Bengal (WB) 4) Assam govt. of India, NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture 5) None of these and Rural Development) and the govt. of Tamil Nadu Answer – 2) Tamil Nadu (TN) (TN) has signed the 1st tripartite Memorandum of Explanation: 36

On December 22, 2019 the website of the Pradhan Service Delivery – Role of Governments’ that Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) released the emphasis Minimum Government, Maximum data on states with coverage of area under Governance to promote transparency, citizen micro-irrigation (MI) for the year 2019. As per the data, centricity and participation? Tamil Nadu(TN) topped the list in coverage under 1) Sikkim Resolution -A Holistic approach for micro-irrigation. Out of the 3.64 lakh hectares brought empowering citizens under MI, TN accounts for around 1.39 lakh hectares, i.e., 2) Jammu Resolution -A Holistic approach for 38% of the total coverage in the country. empowering citizens 191) Where was the 1st Annual Meet of State Nodal 3) Ladakh Resolution -A Holistic approach for Agencies for National Green Corps (NGC) empowering citizens “Ecoclub” programme held? 4) Nagpur Resolution -A Holistic approach for 1) Kevadia, Gujarat 2) Mumbai, Maharashtra empowering citizens 3) New Delhi, Delhi 4) Kolkata, West Bengal 5) None of these 5) None of these Answer – 4) Nagpur Resolution -A Holistic approach Answer – 1) Kevadia, Gujarat for empowering citizens Explanation: Explanation: On December 23, 2019, The Ministry’s Environment On December 22, 2019 the ‘Nagpur Resolution -A Education & GEER (Gujarat Ecological Holistic approach for empowering citizens’ which is an Education and Research) Foundation, have jointly approach to empower citizens, was adopted during the organized the 1st Annual Meet of the State Nodal 2-day organised Regional Conference on ‘Improving Agencies implementing the National Green Corps (NGC) Public Service Delivery – Role of Governments’, in ‘Ecoclub’ programme of the Ministry of the Environment, Nagpur, Maharashtra. The conference was organised by Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) in Kevadia, the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Gujarat from December 20- 21,2019. The meet also Grievances (DARPG) along with Maharashtra govt and witnessed the releasing of books namely ‘Glimpses of the Maharashtra State Commission for Right to Public Ecoclubs’, a handbook on International Environment Services’ collaboration.Click here to read more about the Conventions and Programmes & Handbook on Important resolution. Days of Environmental significance. 194) Based on how many sectors, States/UT were 192) Find the “Silver Line” project that received ranked in the first edition of Good Governance Ministry of Railways approval recently? Index (GGI)? 1) Baruipur - Lakshmikantapur - Namkhana in 1) 12 Sectors 2) 10 Sectors West Bengal 3) 15 Sectors 4) 18 Sectors 2) Ghaziabad-Meerut-Khatauli(Muzaffarnagar) in 5) None of these Uttar Pradesh Answer – 2) 10 Sectors 3) – Kasaragod in Kerala Explanation: 4) Tindivanam-Gingee-Tiruvannamalai in Kerala The GGI is also ranked based on ten sectors which 5) None of these are measured by 50 indicators. The 10 sectors are Answer – 3) Thiruvananthapuram – Kasaragod in Agriculture and Allied Sectors; Commerce & Industries; Kerala Human Resource Development; Public Health; Public Explanation: Infrastructure & Utilities; Economic Governance; Social On December 23, 2019, As per the order was issued Welfare & Development; Judicial & Public Security; by the Ministry of Railways , the Central Government has Environment and Citizen-Centric Governance. gave its approval for Rs 56,443 crore worth of 532 km 195) Which state topped in the ‘first edition of Good Thiruvananthapuram – Kasaragod in Kerala semi-high Governance Index (GGI)’ under the “Big States speed rail (SHSR) corridor project, named “Silver Line” Category”? project. This high speed corridor project will be 1) Andhra Pradesh 2) Karnataka implemented by Kerala Rail Development Corporation 3) Maharashtra 4) Tamil Nadu (KRDCL),a joint venture between the Government of 5) None of these Kerala and the Ministry of Railways. Answer – 4) Tamil Nadu 193) Name the resolution that was adopted during Explanation: the Regional Conference on ‘Improving Public 37

On December 25, 2019, the Minister of State (MoS- JAL). It is a central sector scheme with an outlay of Rs Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Development of 6000 crores and will be implemented for a 5-year period North Eastern Region (DoNER) and MoS for Prime (2020-21 till 2024-2025).The aim of the scheme is to Minister’s Office; Personnel, Public Grievances and improve ground water management. The improvement Pensions; Department of Atomic Energy and Department will be done through community participation in of Space Dr Jitendra Singh launched the ‘Good identified priority areas in 7 States, they are Gujarat, Governance Index’ (GGI) in New Delhi. Tamil Nadu Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh(MP), (TN)won the 1st position in the composite ranking for Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh (UP). good governance index (GGI) under Big States Category. 198) ______edition of Census in India will be TN was followed by Maharashtra, Karnataka, conducted in the year 2021 & National Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana and Population Register (NPR) will also be Kerala in the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th place updated? respectively. Other top ranked big states: the states 1) 10th 2) 16th 3) 15th 4) 12th following Kerala are Madhya Pradesh(9th), West 5) None of these Bengal(10th), Telangana (11th), Rajasthan (12th), Answer – 2) 16th Punjab (13th), Orissa (14th), Bihar (15th), Goa (16th), Explanation: Uttar Pradesh (17th) and Jharkhand (18) The CCEA has approved to conduct Census of India 196) Find the Union Territory, that topped among which is the largest administrative and statistical the other Union Territories in the ‘first exercise in the world will be conducted in the year edition of Good Governance Index (GGI)’? 2021(16th census) with a cost of Rs. 8,754.23 crores. It has 1) Daman and Diu 2) Delhi also approved to update the National Population Register 3) Puducherry 4) Chandigarh (NPR) at a cost of Rs. 3,941.35 crores. 5) None of these 199) Which state will not be covered by National Answer – 3) Puducherry Population Register (NPR) 2021? Explanation: 1) Meghalaya 2) Nagaland On December 25, 2019, the Minister of State (MoS- 3) West Bengal 4) Assam Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Development of 5) None of these North Eastern Region (DoNER) and MoS for Prime Answer – 4) Assam Minister’s Office; Personnel, Public Grievances and Explanation: Pensions; Department of Atomic Energy and Department The CCEA has approved to conduct Census of India of Space Dr Jitendra Singh launched the ‘Good which is the largest administrative and statistical Governance Index’ (GGI) in New Delhi. Union exercise in the world will be conducted in the year Territories: Among the UTs, Puducherry topped the list. 2021(16th census) with a cost of Rs. 8,754.23 crores. The It was followed by Chandigarh(2nd), Delhi (3rd), Daman census will cover entire India but the NPR will cover all and Diu(4th), Andaman and Nicobar Islands(5th), Dadra regions in the country except Assam. House listing and and Nagar Haveli(6th) and (7th). Housing Census under NPR will also not be conducted in 197) Name the Scheme launched by Prime Minister Assam. Shri Narendra Modi to improve ground water 200) Name the Post (4 star post), that was created management with an outlay of Rs 6000 crores to increase the coordination between the for 5 years (2020-21 till 2024-2025)? three armies (Army, Navy & Airforce) as per 1) Atal Bhujal Yojana 2) Atal Jal Yojana the recommendation of K. Subrahmanyam 3) Atal Vidyutikaran Yojana committee? 4) Atal Samridhi Yojana 1) Chief of Armed Staff (CAS) 5) None of these 2) Chief of Military Staff (CMS) Answer – 1) Atal Bhujal Yojana 3) Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Explanation: 4) Chief of Armed Force (CAF) On December 25, 2019 the Prime Minister Shri 5) None of these Narendra Modi launched Atal Bhujal Yojana (ATAL JAL) Answer – 3) Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) in an event held in New Delhi on the birth anniversary of Explanation: former Prime Minister . The CCEA approved for implementing Atal Bhujal Yojana (ATAL The CCEA has approved to create the post of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) in the rank of a 4-star General with 38 salary and benefits equivalent to a Service Chief. The Answer – 3) 8.8-kilometre CDS will also head the Department of Military Affairs Explanation: (DMA), which will be created within the Ministry of Atul Tunnel, world’s longest mountain tunnel which Defence(MoD) and function as its Secretary.The proposal is 8.8-kilometre long is situated at an altitude of 3,000 for setting up a CDS has been done around 20 years ago metres. Construction cost: The construction of the tunnel after the Kargil war of 1999 by the K. Subrahmanyam with the estimated cost of Rs 4000 crore will be completed committee. by 2020. Distance reduction: The distance between 201) Indian Railway Medical Service (IRMS) will be Manali and Leh will be reduced by 46 kilometers. Tunnel renamed as ______? Feature: The tunnel is 10.5-metre wide single tube 1) Indian Railway Health Service (IRHS) bi-lane tunnel and is also a fire proof emergency egress 2) Indian Railway Welfare Service (IRWS) tunnel built into the main tunnel itself. 3) Indian Railway Fitness Service (IRFS) 204) Which ministry takes the administrative 4) Indian Railway Physical Health Service (IRPS) control of Brahmaputra Cracker and Polymer 5) None of these Limited (BCPL) from the Department of Answer – 1) Indian Railway Health Service (IRHS) Chemicals & Petrochemicals? Explanation: 1) Ministry of Corporate Affairs The CCEA has approved for transformational 2) Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas(MoPNG) organisational restructuring of the Indian Railways(IR). 3) Ministry of Labour and Employment This reform will help in achieving Government’s vision of 4) Ministry of New and Renewable Energy making IR the growth engine of India’s vikas yatra. 5) None of these Reform: The reforms include Grouping the currently Answer – 2) Ministry of Petroleum & Natural existing 8 Group A services of IR into a central service Gas(MoPNG) known as Indian Railway Management Service (IRMS). Explanation: Existing Indian Railway Medical Service (IRMS) will be The CCEA has approved the transfer of renamed as Indian Railway Health Service (IRHS). administrative control of Brahmaputra Cracker and 202) Name the former Prime Minister of India, Polymer Limited (BCPL) to Ministry of Petroleum & whose name will be named for the World’s Natural Gas(MoPNG) from the Department of Chemicals longest Strategic mountain tunnel under & Petrochemicals. The BCPL is Central Public Sector Rohtang Pass in Himachal Pradesh? Undertaking implementing the Assam Gas Cracker 1) Jawahar Lal Nehru 2) P. V. Narasimha Rao Project (AGCP). 3) Lal Bahadur Shastri 4) Atal Bihari Vajpayee 205) Name the scheme that received Rs. 627.40 5) None of these crore from Cabinet for 10 projects sanctioned Answer – 4) Atal Bihari Vajpayee during 2018-19 to promote, develop and Explanation: harness the potential of tourism in India? The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) 1) AMRUT Yojana chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has 2) Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana approved to rename Strategic Tunnel under Rohtang 3) Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana Pass in Himachal Pradesh (HP) after former Prime 4) Swadesh Darshan Scheme Minister(PM) Atal Bihari Vajpayee to honour his 5) None of these contributions for the welfare of the country. The Tunnel Answer – 4) Swadesh Darshan Scheme which is the world’s longest, was renamed on December Explanation: 25, 2019 which marks his 95th birth anniversary. The CCEA has approved to release funds to the tune Rohtang Tunnel, connecting Manali, Himachal Pradesh of Rs. 627.40 crore for 10 projects sanctioned during with Leh, Ladakh and Jammu Kashmir, will now be 2018-19. It also approved an additional Rs. 1854.67 crores known as Atal Tunnel for sanctioning new projects during 2019-20 under 203) What is the length of the Atal tunnel, World’s Swadesh Darshan Scheme. longest mountain tunnel under Rohtang Pass 206) Which country has signed a Memorandum of located in Himachal Pradesh? Understanding (MoU) with India for 1) 9.8-kilometre 2) 9.2-kilometre Bioenergy Cooperation? 3) 8.8-kilometre 4) 10.2 -kilometre 1) Brazil 2) Japan 3) China 4) Russia 5) None of these 5) None of these 39

Answer – 1) Brazil Answer – 4) Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) Explanation: Explanation: The Union Cabinet has approved the signing of a On the occasion of Good Governance Day i.e. on Memorandum of Understanding between India and December 25, 2019, Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Brazil on Bioenergy Cooperation.The agreement in this Modi has released the Operational Guidelines for the regard agreed in 2016 during the meeting between Prime implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), during an Minister Narendra Modi & President of Brazil to event organized at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. Out of cooperate on research and development (R&D) of 17.87 Crore Indian rural households, there are 14.6 Crore renewable energies & in the field of second-generation households who do not have household water tap biofuels. connection facility. They account 81.67%. 207) In which of the following field, India & Saudi 210) Which 4 states have launched the national Arabia signed an Agreement during the Prime outreach program ‘GeM Samvaad’? Minister visit to Saudi Arabia on 29th 1) Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh October, 2019? (HP) and Andhra Pradesh (AP) 1) Cooperation Agreement 2) Karnataka, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh 2) Domain Awareness (HP) and Andhra Pradesh (AP) 3) Security Cooperation 3) Karnataka, Assam, Himachal Pradesh (HP) and 4) Cooperation in Skill Development and Andhra Pradesh (AP) Vocational Training 4) Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh (HP) 5) None of these and Andhra Pradesh (AP) Answer – 3) Security Cooperation 5) None of these Explanation: Answer – 2) Karnataka, Uttarakhand, Himachal The Union Cabinet has given ex-post facto approval Pradesh (HP) and Andhra Pradesh (AP) on an Agreement between India and Saudi Arabia for Explanation: Security Cooperation. It was signed during the visit of A national outreach program ‘GeM Samvaad’, Prime Minister to Saudi Arabia on 29th October, launched by Government e-Marketplace (GeM) has 2019.The cooperation with India aims to counter terror begun from 19th December 2019 in 4 States of and its financing, including blocking access to terror Karnataka, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh (HP) and networks and sharing information. Andhra Pradesh (AP). The program will be held till17, 208) Name the country which has signed Protocol February 2020 with the participation of GeM senior to amend the Air Services Agreement with officers, stakeholders across the country and with local India? vendors to facilitate on-boarding of local vendors on the 1) Russia 2) Switzerland market. 3) Saudi Arabia 4) Bangladesh 211) Name the state government, that has set up 5) None of these sign boards in Chinese language at 5 Answer – 2) Switzerland Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) protected archaeological sites? Explanation: 1) Uttar Pradesh 2) Assam The Union Cabinet has approved the signing of the protocol to amend the agreement between the Swiss 3) Gujarat 4) West Bengal Federal Council and Indian Government on air services 5) None of these and to exchange Diplomatic Notes with Switzerland for Answer – 1) Uttar Pradesh bring in to force the amendments in the Air Services Explanation: Agreement. On December 24,2019, As per the Union Minister of 209) Name the scheme, that was launched to State for Culture and Tourism (IC) Shri Prahlad Singh provide drinking water to 14.6 crore rural Patel, Archaeological Survey of India(ASI), an Indian households? government agency attached to the Ministry of Culture, 1) Jal Shram Mission (JSM) has set up sign boards in Chinese language at 5 ASI 2) Jal Adarsh Mission (JAM) protected archaeological sites located in Uttar Pradesh (UP). It includes the sites at Sarnath, the Buddhist relics 3) Jal Samman Mission (JSM) at Chaukhandi Stupa, Mahaparinirvana Temple in 4) Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) Kushinagar, Piparahwa and Shravasti. 5) None of these 40

212) Which Organization has developed the 5 On December 24, 2019, In order to make CNG as the documents launched by Union Minister of eco-friendly option for long distance transport in India Human Resource Development (MHRD) Shri and to promote waste-to-wealth efforts, Dharmendra Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ that covers 5 Pradhan, Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas and Steel verticals of Quality Mandate in New Delhi? has unveiled India’s first long distance CNG bus fitted 1) National Assessment and Accreditation Council with composite CNG cylinders, which can travel around (NAAC) 1000 kms in a single fill. 2) Ministry of Human Resource Development 215) Which Automotive manufacturer, has 3) University Grants Commission (UGC) partnered with Indraprastha Gas Limited 4) All India Council for Technical Education (IGL) & Agility Fuel Solutions of USA to (AICTE) develop India’s First Compressed Natural Gas 5) None of these (CNG) Bus? Answer – 3) University Grants Commission (UGC) 1) Mahindra & Mahindra Explanation: 2) Ashok Leyland On December 26, 2019 the Union Minister of Human 3) Tata Motors Resource Development (MHRD) Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal 4) Eicher Motors ‘Nishank’ has launched 5 documents developed by the 5) None of these University Grants Commission (UGC) which covers 5 Answer – 1) Mahindra & Mahindra verticals of Quality Mandate in New Delhi. These 5 Explanation: documents cover areas such as evaluation reforms, On December 24, 2019, In order to make CNG as the eco-friendly and sustainable university campuses, eco-friendly option for long distance transport in India human values & professional ethics, faculty induction and to promote waste-to-wealth efforts, Dharmendra and academic research integrity. Pradhan, Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas and Steel 213) Name the organization, that was honoured has unveiled India’s first long distance CNG bus fitted with a postage stamp for commemorating its with composite CNG cylinders, which can travel around distinguished service and glorious 1000 kms in a single fill. Developed by Indraprastha Gas contribution for protecting the nation? Limited (IGL) in partnership with Mahindra & 1) National Investigation Agency (NIA) Mahindra, & Agility Fuel Solutions of USA (United State 2) Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) of America) this newly launched bus has replaced the 3) Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) traditional very heavy Type-I Carbon Steel cylinders with 4) Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) Type IV Composite Cylinders. 5) None of these 216) Indian Railways for the 1st time launched the Answer – 4) Directorate of Revenue Intelligence new train “Him Darshan Express”, with (DRI) all-new Vistadome coaches, it runs in which of Explanation: the following route? On December 26, 2019 the Union Minister of 1) Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) - Puri (Odisha) Finance and Corporate Affairs(MoFCA) Smt. Nirmala 2) Howrah (West Bengal) - Kalka (Haryana) Sitharaman released a postage stamp to commemorate 3) Kalka (Haryana)-Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) the service and contribution of the Directorate of Revenue 4) Howrah (West Bengal) – Puri (Odisha) Intelligence (DRI) in protecting the nation by preventing 5) None of these smuggling activities across the country. Answer – 3) Kalka (Haryana)-Shimla (Himachal 214) Where did Dharmendra Pradhan unveils Pradesh) India’s First Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Explanation: Bus which can run 1000 Kms in one fill? On December 25,2019, In view of the increasing 1) Kolkata, West Bengal demand of tourists, For the 1st time, the Indian Railways 2) New Delhi, Delhi has started the new train “Him Darshan Express”, which 3) Mumbai, Maharashtra comprising all-new Vistadome coaches run between 4) Guwahati, Assam Kalka (Haryana)-Shimla (Himachal Pradesh). Currently, this train (Number-52459/52460) will run for one year i.e. 5) None of these 24 December 2020.The specialty of the train is that it has Answer – 2) New Delhi, Delhi 6 AC Vista dom coaches and one AC coach with big Explanation: 41 mirrors all around, through which one can enjoy the Technology) Minister, Ravi Shankar Prasad during the journey by seeing the beauty outside. Passengers will inauguration ceremony of Digital Village Gurawara in have to spend Rs 630 to travel in it. Rewari ,Haryana. 217) Name the Project launched by government of 220) Urban areas of which state, is the only not India to provide internet facility to all villages declared Open Defecation Free (ODF) areas, with an objective to promote Digital India? under Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 1) IndiaNet 2) BharatNet (SBM-U)? 3) NationNet 4) ConnectNet 1) Tamil Nadu 2) West Bengal 5) None of these 3) Gujarat 4) Assam Answer – 2) BharatNet 5) None of these Explanation: Answer – 2) West Bengal On December 25,2019, To promote Digital India and Explanation: make the internet accessible to the rural people, the On December 23, 2019 the Union Ministry of central Government will provide free Wi-Fi will be Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) announced that the provided to all villages across the country through Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban (SBM-U) has achieved BharatNet project. the national target of becoming Open Defecation Free 218) Which organization has commissioned 1st (ODF) across the country. Urban areas of 35 states / UTs Lignite based 500 MW thermal unit of 2×500 (Union Territories) became ODF, but it is also to be noted MW Neyveli New Thermal Power Project in that urban local bodies in West Bengal had not been Tamil Nadu(TN)? declared as ODF. 1) NTPC Limited 2) BEML Limited 221) By which year, Digital Radio will be launched 3) Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) by Minister of Information and Broadcasting? 4) Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) 1) 2024 2) 2022 3) 2025 4) 2030 5) None of these 5) None of these Answer – 4) Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited Answer – 1) 2024 (BHEL) Explanation: Explanation: On December 24, 2019 the Minister of Information On December 24, 2019 the Bharat Heavy Electricals and Broadcasting announced the launch of Digital Radio Limited (BHEL) has successfully commissioned 1st in 2024 during the annual Akashvani awards function Lignite based 500 MW thermal unit of 2×500 MW Neyveli which was held in New Delhi. It was also announced that New Thermal Power Project in Tamil Nadu(TN). It is audio of digital radio will be made more clear. India’s 1st lignite fired 500 MW (Mega Watt) power plant. 222) In which city, India’s 1st transgender This thermal unit is also the highest rating pulverised university will be opened? lignite-fired thermal unit commissioned in India so far. 1) New Delhi, Delhi 2) Silchar, Assam The plant is based on Once-Through and Tower Type 3) Mumbai, Maharashtra Boiler design which has been adopted for the 1st time in 4) Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh (UP) the country. 5) None of these 219) What is the target year set by the government Answer – 4) Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh (UP) of India, to provide free wifi service to all Explanation: villages through BharatNet project? On December 26, 2019, India’s 1st transgender 1) March 2025 2) March 2022 university will open in Fazilnagar block in UP’s (Uttar 3) March 2020 4) March 2024 Pradesh) Kushinagar district. It is being constructed by 5) None of these Akhil Bhartiya Kinnar Siksha Seva Trust (All-India Answer – 3) March 2020 transgender education service trust). Explanation: 223) For which of the following scheme, Union On December 25,2019, To promote Digital India and Ministry of Finance (MoF) announced make the internet accessible to the rural people, the mandatory linkage of Aadhar to reduce the central Government will provide free Wi-Fi will be incidence of frauds recently? provided to all villages across the country through 1) Mega Pension Scheme BharatNet project by March 2020.This information was 2) Pradhan Mantri Kisan Pension Yojana provided by Communication and IT (Information 42

3) Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY) its 100 GigaWatt (GW) energy capacity mark in 2020. 4) Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi However the govt also needed to promote storage to (PM-KISAN) ensure 24×7 clean energy supply as coal fired thermal 5) None of these power still remains as the basic use in the country. Answer – 3) Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana 227) Name the organization, that is set to add 10GW (PMVVY) of solar energy generation capacity by 2022 Explanation: with an investment of around Rs 50,000 On December 23, 2019 the Union Ministry of crores? Finance (MoF) in its latest notification has made it 1) GAIL Ltd mandatory to submit the proof of Aadhaar number of 2) Nuclear Power Corporation of India senior citizens who have invested in the Pradhan Mantri 3) NTPC Ltd 4) NHPC Ltd Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY). This move was done to 5) None of these bring transparency to financial processes and to reduce Answer – 3) NTPC Ltd the incidence of frauds. Explanation: 224) Where was the foundation stone of India’s first On December 26, 2019 the NTPC ltd (formerly Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) project known as National Thermal Power Corporation Limited) laid? is in the plan of adding 10GW (GigaWatt) energy 1) New Delhi, Delhi 2) Mumbai, Maharashtra generation capacity by 2022, with an additional 3) Guwahati, Assam 4) Kolkata, West Bengal investment of around Rs 50,000 crores. The investment 5) None of these will mainly be funded by green bonds. This move will Answer – 1) New Delhi, Delhi support India’s ambitious target of generating 175GW by Explanation: 2022. On December 26, 2019 Home minister Shri Amit 228) Under which scheme, central government has Shah laid the foundation stone of India’s first approved construction of over 1 crore houses? transit-oriented development (TOD) project in New 1) Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-PMAY (Urban) Delhi. 2) Prime Minister Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana 225) In which city, Delhi’s tallest tower (161 m) 3) Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan under the Transit-Oriented Development (PM-SYM) (TOD) project will be built? 4) Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana 1) Sultanpur 2) Dallopura 5) None of these 3) Tukhmirpur 4) Karkardooma Answer – 1) Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-PMAY 5) None of these (Urban) Answer – 4) Karkardooma Explanation: Explanation: On December 27, 2019, As per the Hardeep Singh On December 26, 2019 home minister Shri Amit Puri, Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Shah laid the foundation stone of India’s first Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs ,the Centre has transit-oriented development (TOD) project. Under this approved construction of 6.5 lakh houses under the project state of the art infrastructure zone including Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-PMAY (Urban). With this, Delhi’s tallest tower (161 m) will be built. The tower will Government will sanction all the 1.12 crore houses under be built in eastern part of Delhi at Karkardooma and is affordable housing programme – PMAY (Urban), a target named as ‘East Delhi Hub’. set by the centre & deliver them to the beneficiaries by 2022. Under the scheme, about 30 lakh houses have been 226) What is the target year set by India to cross Renewable energy capacity mark of 100-GW? built and 57 lakh houses are under construction. 1) 2022 2) 2020 3) 2025 4) 2030 229) Where was the 11th edition of National Street 5) None of these food festival held? Answer – 2) 2020 1) Guwahati, Assam 2) Kolkata, West Bengal Explanation: 3) Mumbai, Maharashtra On December 27, 2019 the union Minister of Power 4) New Delhi, Delhi and New & Renewable Energy (MoP,NRE) Shri Raj 5) None of these Kumar Singh has announced that India is likely to cross Answer – 4) New Delhi, Delhi Explanation: 43

On December 26, 2019, Union Minister of Health & state-of-the-art LPG plant was built within record 19 Family Welfare, Dr. Harsh Vardhan has inaugurated the months which is 3 months ahead of schedule. The 4 days long, second edition of the ‘Eat Right Mela’ along foundation stone for the plant was laid on May 21, 2018 with 11th National Street food festival at Jawahar Lal and is set up at a cost of Rs 103 crores. Nehru Stadium in New Delhi. The event was organized 232) Which city host the National Tribal Dance by Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) Festival namely “Tribal fest 2019” recently for in collaboration with National Association of Street the first time? Vendors of India (NASVI) to encourage people for having 1) Raipur, Chhattisgarh healthier diets to reduce disease burden in the country. 2) New Delhi, Delhi 230) Which organization has partnered with 3) Kolkata, West Bengal National Association of Street Vendors of 4) Mumbai, Maharashtra India (NASVI) & organized ‘Eat Right Mela’ 5) None of these along with 11th National Street food festival Answer – 1) Raipur, Chhattisgarh with the theme “Healthier Diets” in New Explanation: Delhi? On December 27, 2019, 3 days long National Tribal 1) Agricultural and Processed Food Products Dance Festival namely “Tribal fest 2019” begun in Export Development Authority (APEDA) Raipur, the capital of Chhattisgarh, which was presided 2) Food Safety and Standards Authority of India over by the state’s Chief Minister (CM) Bhupesh Baghel. (FSSAI) The festival was inaugurated by Congress leader Rahul 3) Food Corporation of India (FCI) Gandhi. It is for the first time that festival is being 4) Central Drugs Standard Control Organization organized in Chhattisgarh. (CDSCO) 233) Name the railway station that receives the 5) None of these first “Eat Right Station” certification from Answer – 2) Food Safety and Standards Authority of Food Safety and Standards Authority of India India (FSSAI) (FSSAI)? Explanation: 1) Gorakhpur Railway Station, Gorakhpur On December 26, 2019, Union Minister of Health & 2) Chennai Central Station, Chennai Family Welfare, Dr. Harsh Vardhan has inaugurated the 3) Howrah Junction Station, Kolkata 4 days long, second edition of the ‘Eat Right Mela’ along 4) Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) with 11th National Street food festival at Jawahar Lal railway station, Mumbai Nehru Stadium in New Delhi. The event was organized 5) None of these by Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) in collaboration with National Association of Street Answer – 4) Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus Vendors of India (NASVI) to encourage people for having (CSMT) railway station, Mumbai healthier diets to reduce disease burden in the country. Explanation: The theme of the mela is “Healthier Diets”. The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) railway station of Mumbai, Maharashtra has been 231) Where was the BPCL (Bharat Petroleum conferred with ‘Eat Right Station’ certification with the Corporation Limited) LPG (Liquefied four-star rating by the Food Safety and Standards Petroleum Gas) bottling plant built with Authority of India (FSSAI) for food safety and hygiene. record time of 19 months recently? With this, CSMT becomes the first Central Railway 1) Bhubaneswar, Odisha station to get this certification. 2) Berhampur, Odisha Name the bridge inaugurated on the 3) Balangir, Odisha 234) Migging-Tuting road, only communication to 4) Sambalpur, Odisha border areas and posts at Gelling and Bishing, 5) None of these ahead of Tuting in Arunachal Pradesh (AR)? Answer – 3) Balangir, Odisha 1) Diffo Bridge 2) Rabung bridge Explanation: 3) Bogibeel Bridge 4) Dibang Bridge On December 27,2019 the governor of Odisha, Shri 5) None of these Ganeshi Lal dedicated the BPCL(Bharat Petroleum Answer – 2) Rabung bridge Corporation Limited) LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) Explanation: bottling plant at Balangir city in Odisha. This 44

On December 26, 2019, The state Health and Family 3) Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC) Welfare minister Alo Libang of Arunachal Pradesh (AR) 4) Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC) inaugurated the Rabung bridge on the Migging-Tuting 5) None of these road in Arunachal Pradesh‘s(AR) Upper Siang Answer – 3) Western Dedicated Freight Corridor district.The bridge will be strategically important for the (WDFC) (IA) and ITBP (Indo-Tibetan Border Police). Explanation: This is due to the fact that Migging-Tuting road is the On December 27, 2019, An inaugural trial run of only line of communication to border areas and posts at double-stack freight train was conducted on newly built Gelling and Bishing, ahead of Tuting in AR. Rewari (Haryana) – Madar (Rajasthan) section on the 235) Which organization has build the Rabung 306 km long Western Dedicated Freight Corridor bridge in Arunachal Pradesh (AR) recently? (WDFC). The train was flagged off in the presence of Sh. 1) National Highways Authority of India Anurag Sachan, Managing Director (MD) of Dedicated 2) International Transport Forum Freight Corridor Corporation India Limited (DFCCIL), 3) Ministry of Road Transport and Highways by Station Sr. Executive Sh. Ravindra Sharma. At 4) Border Road Organisation (BRO) present, DFCCIL running freight trains at speed of 75 5) None of these kilometre per hour & it will be increased to a maximum Answer – 4) Border Road Organisation (BRO) speed of 100 kilometre per hour. Explanation: 238) Where was the 1st edition of Mandu festival On December 26, 2019, The state Health and Family 2019 has commenced? Welfare minister Alo Libang of Arunachal Pradesh (AR) 1) Andhra Pradesh (AP) inaugurated the Rabung bridge on the Migging-Tuting 2) Madhya Pradesh (MP) road in Arunachal Pradesh‘s(AR) Upper Siang district. 3) Mizoram The bridge was constructed by Project Brahmank of the 4) Maharashtra Border Road Organisation(BRO). Constructed by the 5) None of these 1448 Bridge Construction Company (BCC) of 761 Border Answer – 2) Madhya Pradesh (MP) Road Task Force (BRTF) of Project Brahmank under Explanation: BRO, the bridge has load capacity of 70 tonnes. On December 28, 2019, A 5-day long 1st edition of 236) Registration of which Identity card has Mandu festival 2019 has commenced in Mandu (City of crossed 125 crore since its launch? Joy), a prominent tourist destination in Madhya 1) Aadhaar card 2) PAN Card Pradesh(MP). This festival is being organized by Madhya 3) Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) Pradesh Tourism Board as part of the government’s 4) Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC) efforts to promote Tribal Tourism. 5) None of these 239) Who chairs the Standing Committee on Answer – 1) Aadhaar card Economic Statistics (SCES) constituted by Explanation: Ministry of Statistics and Programme On December 27, 2019 the Unique Identification Implementation(MOSPI)? Authority of India (UIDAI) announced that the Aadhaar 1) Pronab Sen 2) Malay Ghosh project crossed 125 crore mark of registration. Thus as of 3) C. R. Rao 4) Ranajit Chakraborty now, over 1.25 billion residents of India hold Aadhar card. 5) None of these This milestone was reached because of rapidly increasing Answer – 1) Pronab Sen use of Aadhaar as the primary identity document by the Explanation: Aadhaar holders. The Aadhaar-based authentication On December 28, 2019 the Ministry of Statistics and services have been used close to 37,000 crore times since Programme Implementation(MOSPI) has set up a inception. Currently UIDAI receives nearly 3 crore standing committee on economic statistics (SCES) in authentication requests per day. order to develop methodologies in conducting surveys on 237) In which corridor, the 1st trial run of industry, services sector and employment in place of double-stack train conducted on newly built multiple panels on these issues. The committee which Rewari (Haryana) – Madar (Rajasthan) consists of 28 members will be headed by India’s first section? chief statistician Pronab Sen. The first meeting of the 1) Southern Dedicated Freight Corridor (SDFC) SCES is scheduled on January 6, 2020. 2) Northern Dedicated Freight Corridor (NDFC) 45

240) ______member, Group of Ministers (GoM) division looks after India’s maritime neighbours such as was constituted to expedite implementation Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius and the Seychelles. of Rs 69,000 cr revival plan of Bharat Sanchar Previously these two nations were looked after by East Nigam Ltd (BSNL) and Mahanagar Telephone and South Africa Division of the MEA. Madagascar and Nigam Ltd (MTNL)? Comoros are also the members of the Indian Ocean Rim 1) 3 2) 5 3) 7 4) 9 Association (IORA) and International Solar 5) None of these Alliance(ISA). Comoros is a member of Arab League and Answer – 3) 7 the Organization of Islamic Countries (OIC) and is Explanation: situated on the northern tip of the strategic Mozambique Channel in the Western Indian Ocean. On December 28, 2019, In order to track the implementation of the Rs 69,000 crore revival plan for 243) Name the organization, that has released the state-owned telecom corporations Bharat Sanchar Nigam 2nd edition of Sustainable Development Goals Ltd (BSNL) and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd (SDG) India Index and dashboard for the year (MTNL), a seven-member Group of Ministers (GoM) has 2019? been constituted. The revival includes crucial elements 1) Finance Commission (FC) like allocation of 4G spectrum and asset monetization 2) Reserve Bank of India (RBI) worth Rs 37,500 crore. Members of the Committees are 3) National Institution for Transforming India Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, IT and Telecom (NITI) Aayog Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, Home Minister Amit 4) National Development Council (NDC) Shah, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Commerce 5) None of these Minister Piyush Goyal and Oil Minister Dharmendra Answer – 3) National Institution for Transforming Pradhan. India (NITI) Aayog 241) Which State/UT has celebrated Losar festival Explanation: recently? On December 31, 2019 NITI (National Institution for 1) New Delhi 2) Ladakh Transforming India) Aayog has released the 2nd edition 3) Jammu and Kashmir4) Uttar Pradesh of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) India Index and 5) None of these dashboard for the year 2019 in New Delhi.The index gives Answer – 2) Ladakh a brief analysis on the progress made by states and union Explanation: territories(UTs) towards achieving the 2030 SDG targets. On December 28, 2019 the people of Union 244) Which state has topped in the 2nd edition of Territory(UT) of the Ladakh region celebrated Losar Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) India festival, the Ladakhi new year. The Ladakh Buddhist Index for the year 2019? Association (LBA) and Leh Hill Council, Leh organised 1) Kerala 2) West Bengal the celebrations in which Ladakh Lieutenant Governor 3) Assam 4) Gujarat Radha Krishna Mathur participated. The year 2020 will 5) None of these mark the 1st Losar festival celebrated in the Ladakh Answer – 1) Kerala Region as a UT. Losar is Tibetan word for new year. Explanation: 242) Name the countries, which were included in On December 31, 2019 NITI (National Institution for the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) Division by Transforming India) Aayog has released the 2nd edition Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) India Index and recently? dashboard for the year 2019 in New Delhi. Kerala topped 1) Mozambique and Angola the index with a score of 70. The index gives a brief 2) Seychelles and Mozambique analysis on the progress made by states and union 3) Mauritius and Seychelles territories(UTs) towards achieving the 2030 SDG targets. 4) Madagascar and Comoros The index was launched by NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman 5) None of these Rajiv Kumar along with other members. Answer – 4) Madagascar and Comoros 245) How much percent of India’s geographical Explanation: area are covered with Forests as per the 16th On December 26, 2019 the Ministry of External India State of Forest Report (ISFR) released Affairs (MEA)has included Madagascar and Comoros in by Shri Prakash Javadekar? the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) Division. The IOR 1) 22.34% 2) 25.45% 3) 23.67% 4) 24.56% 46

5) None of these 248) Which e-commerce platform has signed MoU Answer – 4) 24.56% with Government of India for selling the Explanation: products made by women self-help groups On December 30, 2019, the Union Minister for under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Environment, Forest and Climate Change(MoEFCC), Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM)? Shri Prakash Javadekar released the biennial “India 1) Flipkart 2) IndiaMart State of Forest Report (ISFR)”, in New Delhi. The report 3) Snapdeal 4) Amazon assesses forest and tree resources in India biennially and 5) None of these is published by the Forest Survey of India (FSI). The Answer – 1) Flipkart ISFR-2019 is the 16th report in the series since 1987. As Explanation: per the recent assessment made, the total forest and tree On December 30, 2019 Government of India signed cover of the country now stands at 80.73 million hectares MoU with Flipkart for selling the products made by which is 24.56% of the geographical area of the country. women self-help groups under Deendayal Antyodaya 246) Which state has the largest forest cover in Yojana-National Urban Livelihoods Mission India under area wise category as per the 16th (DAY-NULM) on the e-commerce platform.DAY-NULM India State of Forest Report (ISFR)? consists of 44 lakh women across the country which aims 1) West Bengal (WB) 2) Madhya Pradesh (MP) to make women financially independent.According to 3) Kerala 4) Andhra Pradesh (AP) Union Housing and Urban Affairs Secretary Durga 5) None of these Shanker Mishra, 12 lakh people have trained in the past Answer – 2) Madhya Pradesh (MP) five years and nearly 5.06 lakh people were given funds Explanation: by the government to start their own business. On December 30, 2019, the Union Minister for 249) Who launched the web portal, Environment, Forest and Climate Change(MoEFCC), “www.ceir.gov.in” to trace the stolen mobiles Shri Prakash Javadekar released the biennial “India of Delhi subscribers? State of Forest Report (ISFR)”, in New Delhi.In terms of 1) D. V. Sadananda Gowda largest forest cover in the country by area wise, Madhya 2) Prakash Javadekar Pradesh (MP) has the largest forest cover. It was followed 3) Nitin Gadkari by Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha and 4) Ravi Shankar Prasad Maharashtra in the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th place 5) None of these respectively. Answer – 4) Ravi Shankar Prasad 247) Name the project launched by Shri Hardeep Explanation: Singh Puri with an aim of migrating the On 30th Dec 2019, the Department of Telecom employees in airport from manual process of Minister Mr. Ravi Shankar Prasad launched a web portal training to digital platform? www.ceir.gov.in to trace the stolen mobiles for Delhi 1) e-ACAS Project 2) e-CCAS Project subscribers. This was launched in Mumbai in September 3) e-BCAS Project 4) e-DCAS Project 2019, and has been rolled out for Delhi now, it will be 5) None of these extended to other states too in the following year. If Answer – 3) e-BCAS Project anybody lost their mobile phone, they can register their Explanation: request in https://ceir.gov.in/ portal along with the FIR On December 30, 2019 the Minister of State copy to block the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment (Independent Charge) for Civil Aviation Shri Hardeep Identity) number of the lost or stolen device. This can be Singh Puri, launched the Biometric enabled Centralised tracked with the request ID. Access Control System (CACS) and ‘e-BCAS Project 250) Which city hosts the 27th edition of National Training Module’ in New Delhi. These 2 projects were Children’s Science Congress (NCSC) 2019 on launched to enhance security and to improve ease of the theme “Science, Technology and doing business at airports. The project is envisaged to Innovation for a clean, green and healthy achieve “paperless office” under e-Governance initiative nation”? of Govt. of India and was approved by the Ministry of 1) Chennai, Tamil Nadu Civil Aviation (MoCA) at an estimated cost of Rs.21.69 2) Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala crore. 3) Mumbai, Maharashtra 4) New Delhi, Delhi 47

5) None of these 2) Ahmadpur Junction railway station, Bihar Answer – 2) Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 3) Nizamabad Junction railway station, Telangana Explanation: 4) Anakapalle Railway Station, Andhra Pradesh The Vice President of India, Shri Muppavarapu 5) None of these Venkaiah Naidu has attended the 27th edition of Answer – 4) Anakapalle Railway Station, Andhra National Children’s Science Congress (NCSC) 2019 based Pradesh on the theme “Science, Technology and Innovation for a Explanation: clean, green and healthy nation” held for the 1st time at The Indian Railways (IR) has introduced new Mar Ivanios College in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala Passenger Information System at Anakapalle Railway from December 27 -31,2019. Station of Vijayawada Division of Andhra Pradesh(AP) in 251) Where was the foundation stone of head South Central Railway (SCR). The system has been quarter of the CRPF (Central Reserve Police introduced to provide better features and easy guidance Force) laid with a cost of Rs 280 crore? to the passengers and also to enhance satisfactory user 1) Kolkata, Assam 2) Mumbai, Maharashtra experience. The cost of the equipment is Rs 10 lakhs 3) New Delhi, Delhi including supply, installation, commissioning and onsite 4) , Jammu & Kashmir warranty of 3 years. 5) None of these 254) Which state celebrates the 11-day long Answer – 3) New Delhi, Delhi open-air theater festival, ‘Dhanu Jatra’? Explanation: 1) Maharashtra 2) Odisha On December 29, 2019, Union Minister of Home 3) West Bengal 4) Assam Affairs, Shri. Amitabh Anilchandra Shah has laid the 5) None of these Foundation stone of the Directorate General Building of Answer – 2) Odisha CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) built with a cost of Explanation: Rs 280 crore in New Delhi. He also launched a new logo ‘Dhanu Jatra’ the famous 11-day long open-air with a “Garuda”, sword and shield, for security branch of theater festival begins on 31 December 2019 at Bargarh CRPF that will give a new identity to them, who provides in western Odisha. Jatra’s drama is based on the story of security to common man and VIP’s (very important Lord Krishna and his uncle Kansa. It is the world’s person). The insignia bears the motto of the force – longest open-air drama named in the Guinness book of “Always, Aware, Alert”. records. To celebrate Indian’s Independence and to 252) Ministry of Railway (MoR) has renamed symbolize the victory of good over evil this festival was “Railway Protection Force” as ______? celebrated from 1947-1948. Government of India gave the 1) Indian Railway Protection Service (IRPS) National Festival Status to Dhanu Jatra in November 2) Indian Railway Protection Force (IRPF) 2014. 3) Railway Protection Service (RPS) 255) Name the Central government's citizen 4) Indian Railway Service (IRS) engagement platform that has reached one 5) None of these crore registered users? Answer – 1) Indian Railway Protection Service 1) UMANG 2) UTTAM (IRPS) 3) MyGov 4) Bharat Explanation: 5) None of these On December 31, 2019, The Ministry of Railway Answer – 3) MyGov (MoR) has accorded Organised Group ‘A’ status (OGAS) Explanation: to Railway Protection Force (RPF) and also renamed RPF On December 29, 2019, Central government’s citizen as Indian Railway Protection Service (IRPS). The notice engagement platform, MyGov has reached the milestone of renaming was issued by the Joint Director of Railway of having 1 crore registered users. The platform was Board Amitabh Joshi on December 30, 2019. founded by the Govt.of India to promote active 253) Which railway station has recently received participation of Indian citizens in their country’s its new Passenger Information System to governance and development. The portal is provide better features and easy guidance to “https://www.mygov.in/”.Platform development: MyGov the Passengers? platform was designed, developed and hosted by National 1) Ahmadpur Junction railway station, West Informatics Centre(NIC) underMinistry of Electronics & Bengal Information Technology(MeitY). 48 49 STATE NEWS

1) Name the scheme launched by Andhra On December 4, 2019, In a bid to tackle Pradesh Chief Minister, Yeduguri Sandinti environmental pollution, the Punjab state government Jaganmohan Reddy that provides has partnered with the World Economic Forum (WEF) to postoperative sustenance allowance of Rs.225 design a public-private pilot project on shared, clean and medical allocation for each person for a day or electric mobility (e-mobility). This collaboration will be Rs 5000 per month? formulated at the WEF annual meeting in Davos, 1) YSR Matsyakara Nestham Scheme Switzerland on January 2020. 2) YSR Aasaraa Scheme 4) Which state’s political party “Jannayak Janta 3) YSR Anna Vidya Deevena Scheme Party (JJP)” has been recognised as a ‘state 4) YSR Adarsham Scheme party’ & ‘Key’ has been allocated as its 5) None of these reserved symbol by Election Commission of Answer – 2) YSR Aasaraa Scheme India (ECI)? Explanation: 1) Uttar Pradesh 2) Haryana On 2nd December 2019, Yeduguri Sandinti 3) Assam 4) Gujarat Jaganmohan Reddy, Chief Minister (CM) of Andhra 5) None of these Pradesh (AP) launched the YSR Aasaraa Scheme in Answer – 2) Haryana Guntur Medical College, Guntur Andhra Pradesh.The Explanation: YSR Aasaraa scheme provides postoperative sustenance On November 29, 2019 the Haryana’s Deputy Chief allowance of Rs.225 medical allocation for each person for minister Dushyant Chautala led Jannayak Janta Party a day or or Rs 5000 per month, who come under the (JJP) has been recognised as a ‘state party’ in Haryana by Aarogyasri Scheme, this scheme is a Community Health the Election Commission of India (ECI). Key has been Insurance Scheme launched in 2008 in Andhra Pradesh. allocated as the party’s reserved symbol in the state. The 2) Which state is set to provide 25% subsidy and party was granted recognition under the Election 100% stamp duty waiver for setting up of Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968. The defence industry in the state? JJP shot to prominence when it won 10 out of 90 assembly 1) Maharashtra 2) Assam seats in October 2019 after its formation in 2018. 3) Uttar Pradesh 4) Gujarat 5) Name the scheme launched by Andhra 5) None of these Pradesh government, that provides a stipend Answer – 3) Uttar Pradesh of Rs 5,000 to junior lawyers? Explanation: 1) YSR Arogyasri 2) YSR Asara On December 2, 2019 the govt. of Uttar Pradesh(UP) 3) YSR Law Nestham scheme ahead of the 2020 biennial defence expo in the state, 4) YSR Rythu Bharosa announced to provide 25% subsidy and 100% stamp duty 5) None of these waiver for setting up of defence industry in the state. The Answer – 3) YSR Law Nestham scheme decision in this regard was taken at a cabinet meeting Explanation: chaired by UP Chief Minister(CM) Shri Yogi Adityanath. On 3rd December 2019, which is also observed as the 3) Which organization has partnered with National lawyers day, Yeduguri Sandinti Jaganmohan Punjab state government to design a Reddy, Chief Minister (CM) of Andhra Pradesh launched public-private pilot project on shared, clean the YSR (Yuvajana Sramika Rythu) Law Nestham and electric mobility (e-mobility)? scheme at Tadepalli, Andhra Pradesh that provides a 1) United Nations Educational, Scientific and stipend of Rs 5,000 to junior lawyers .The eligibility of the Cultural Organization (UNESCO) candidate is, they should be under the age of 35 and must 2) World Environment Federation (WEF) be a graduate in Law and only one member from each 3) United Nation (UN) family is eligible to apply for the scheme, also junior lawyers who have stopped practising law are not eligible. 4) World Economic Forum (WEF) Junior lawyers will be eligible for the scheme for the 5) None of these remaining three years after completing the first three Answer – 4) World Economic Forum (WEF) years of practice. Also senior lawyers with 15 years of Explanation: practice experience and who are currently active in 50 practice with certification from the Bar Association are On December 6, 2019, Assam Chief Minister (CM) also applicable for the scheme. Sarbananda Sonowal has launched the Anti- 6) Which state government approved to create Depredation Squad of the Forest Department. The land banks in rural areas for industrial Squads will be to deploy in 15 major human-wildlife development? conflict districts to ensure the safety of both humans and 1) Gujarat 2) Assam wildlife. Under the squad, 12 Bore pump action guns and 3) Uttar Pradesh 4) Punjab 15,000 rounds of rubber bullet ammunition will be used. Forest Department will get connected with specially 5) None of these trained 50 frontline staff to handle human-wildlife Answer – 4) Punjab conflict situations. 100 more staff will also be trained in Explanation: future. On December 2, 2019, Punjab state Cabinet chaired 9) Which state government has launched Enable by its Chief Minister (CM) Captain Amarinder Singh Startup Track Acceleration (ESTAC) program gave in-principle approval to amend the Punjab Village to support the technology-led, scalable and Common Land (Regulation) Rules, 1964 to create land investible growth stage startups? banks in rural areas to promote industrial development. 1) Uttar Pradesh 2) Punjab Along with this, amendments are further improved to ensure that the panchayats get their dues. The interests 3) Assam 4) Gujarat of panchayats in land acquisition should also be kept in 5) None of these mind. Answer – 2) Punjab 7) Who authored the book titled “Kaleswaram Explanation: project: Telangana Pragathi Ratham” that On 6th December 2019, Amarinder Singh, Punjab describes the details and History of Chief Minister launched Enable Startup Track Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme (KLIS)? Acceleration (ESTAC) program in the Progressive Punjab 1) C. Lakshmi Rajyam 2) K. S. Ashwath Investors Summit-2019 held in Mohali, Punjab. The goal 3) Sridhar Rao 4) Leelavathi of the summit is to promote entrepreneurship and innovation in the state.ESTAC is a startup program 5) None of these started by the partnership between the State Answer – 3) Sridhar Rao Government and the AIC (Atal Incubation Centre) Indian Explanation: School of Business, Mohali. The goal of the program is to On 5th December 2019, Kalvakuntla support the technology-led, scalable and investible Chandrashekhar Rao, Chief Minister of Telangana growth stage startups in the areas of government and released a book named “Kaleswaram project: Telangana private sectors. Pragathi Ratham (Kaleswaram project: The Telangana 10) Which state has inaugurated the Integrated Development Chariot) at Pragati Bhavan. The book was Command and Control Centre (ICCC) to solve authored by Sridhar Rao Deshpande. The book is about electricity, water, street lights, roads and the details and History of Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation other problems? Scheme (KLIS), the explanation of the efforts taken by 1) , Haryana Chandrasekhar Rao from the initiation to the execution of the project and the data of water flow from Central 2) Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh Water Commission (CWC). The Kaleswaram Project was 3) Jaipur, Rajasthan completed in three years and has started supplying water 4) Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh to the farming community in the state. 5) None of these 8) Which government has set up 15 Anti- Answer – 1) Gurgaon, Haryana depredation squads to tackle human-wildlife Explanation: conflicts to ensure the safety of both humans On December 7, 2019, The Chief Minister(CM) of and wildlife? Haryana, Manohar Lal Khattar has inaugurated the 1) Assam 2) Karnataka Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) in 3) Kerala 4) West Bengal Gurgaon, built at a cost of Rs 38 crore. Through this, 5) None of these people will be able to solve electricity, water, street lights, Answer – 1) Assam roads and other problems. Explanation: 11) Name the scheme, from which odisha government has reduced the subsidy to 51

farmers from Rs 10,000 to Rs 4000 per year Explanation: after merging the scheme with Pradhan On December 9, 2019, Lt (Lieutenant) Governor of Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Shri Girish Chandra Murmu yojana? inaugurated all-weather 72-metre-long multi cell box 1) Gopabandhu Sambadika Swasthya Bima Yojana type load class 70 bridge in Rajouri in the Union Territory 2) Sarbakhyama Yojana (UT) of J&K. The bridge which was built by the Border 3) Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income Roads Organisation (BRO) under project sampark, spans Augmentation (KALIA) over Draj nallah and connected Draj Area to Tehsil 4) Biju Swastya Kalyan Yojana Kotranka area of Rajouri district. 5) None of these 14) Which state cabinet has approved to sell the Answer – 3) Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and water of River Yamuna? Income Augmentation (KALIA) 1) Himachal Pradesh 2) Uttar Pradesh Explanation: 3) Uttar Khand 4) Assam On December 7, 2019, The Odisha government has 5) None of these reduced the amount of aid given to farmers under the Answer – 1) Himachal Pradesh KALIA (Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income Explanation: Augmentation) scheme from Rs 10,000 to Rs 4000 per On December 3, 2019, The Himachal Pradesh (HP) year. This decision was taken by the state government state Cabinet chaired by its Chief Minister (CM) Jai Ram after merging the KALIA scheme with Central Thakur, has approved to sign the memorandum of Government’s Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi understanding (MoU) to sell the water of River Yamuna (PM-KISAN) yojana. from states’s share at Tajewala corridor on payment 12) Which state cabinet clears a proposal to set up basis. The state government would earn Rs 21 crore per 218 new Fast-track courts out of which 144 annum from this decision. The details of whom the water courts will hear cases of rape and 74 courts would be sold to and with whom this MoU would be will hear cases under the Protection of signed were not revealed by the State Government. Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act? 15) Which State/UT has launched a Start-up 1) West Bengal 2) Gujarat policy to create a corpus fund of Rs. 10 crore 3) Assam 4) Uttar Pradesh to support start-up incubators and to develop 5) None of these co-working spaces? Answer – 4) Uttar Pradesh 1) Puducherry 2) Maharashtra Explanation: 3) Odisha 4) Assam On 9th December 2019, Uttar Pradesh (UP) Cabinet 5) None of these clears a proposal to set up 218 new Fast-track courts in Answer – 1) Puducherry UP, accounting to the increasing number of crimes Explanation: against women and children. Out of which 144 courts will On 11th December 2019, The Government of hear cases of rape and 74 courts will hear cases under the Puducherry launched a Start-up policy to create a corpus Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) fund of Rs. 10 crore to support start-up incubators and to Act. These special courts will be part of the total 1,023 develop co-working spaces. The policy was launched by Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) which were proposed M.O.H.F Shahjahan, Minister for Industries. The to be set up under the POCSO Amendment Act 2019. It is Puducherry Start-up Cell, will be the nodal agency for an initiative of the Union Ministry of Women and Child implementing the policy and will facilitate filing of Development to expedite trials of rape cases. patents, trademarks and designs. 13) Who inaugurated all-weather 72-metre-long 16) Name the act approved by the Andhra multi cell box type load class 70 bridge in Pradesh cabinet that mandates to settle cases Rajouri in the Union Territory (UT) of J&K? of atrocities against women in 21 days and 1) Subhash Chandra Garg punishment including death penalty for the 2) Ajay Bhushan Pandey offences of rape and gang-rape? 3) Girish Chandra Murmu 1) Andhra Pradesh POSCO Act Criminal Law 4) Satya Pal Malik (amendment) Act, 2019 (A.P POSCOAct,2019) 5) None of these 2) Andhra Pradesh Mahila Act Criminal Law Answer – 3) Girish Chandra Murmu (amendment) Act, 2019 (A.P Mahila Act,2019) 52

3) Andhra Pradesh Shakthi Act Criminal Law 19) Where was the first Virtual Police Station of (amendment) Act, 2019 (A.P Shakthi Act, 2019) Andhra Pradesh inaugurated by Chief 4) Andhra Pradesh Disha Act Criminal Law (AP Minister Yeduguri Sandinti Jaganmohan Amendment) Act, 2019 (A.P Disha Act, 2019) Reddy? 5) None of these 1) Andhra University (AU), Visakhapatnam Answer – 4) Andhra Pradesh Disha Act Criminal 2) Gayatri Vidya Parishad College of Engineering, Law (AP Amendment) Act, 2019 (A.P Disha Act,2019) Visakhapatnam Explanation: 3) Vignan's Institute Of Information Technology, On December 12, 2019, The Andhra Pradesh (AP) Visakhapatnam state Cabinet chaired by chief minister (CM), Yeduguri 4) Pydah College of Engineering and Technology, Sandinti (YS) Jagan Mohan Reddy, has approved the A.P. Visakhapatnam Disha Bill, 2019 that makes it mandatory to settle cases 5) None of these of atrocities against women in 21 days and punishment Answer – 1) Andhra University (AU), including a death penalty for the offences of rape and Visakhapatnam gang-rape. The new bill, the Andhra Pradesh Disha Act Explanation: Criminal Law (amendment) Act, 2019, called as A.P On 13th December 2019, Yeduguri Sandinti Disha Act, 2019. Jaganmohan Reddy, Chief Minister(CM) of Andhra 17) Which district of Nagaland received an Inner Pradesh (AP) inaugurated the first Virtual Police Station Line Permit (ILP) by its government in the at the Andhra University (AU) in Visakhapatnam, AP. midst of the uproar over the Citizenship The concept of Virtual police station was initiated by AU Amendment Bill? Vice-Chancellor Prasad Reddy with an aim to provide 1) Longleng 2) Dimapur security to students. 3) Kiphire 4) Kohima 20) Which state is set to host “Namaste Orchha” 5) None of these festival 2020? Answer – 2) Dimapur 1) Kerala 2) Assam Explanation: 3) West Bengal (WB) 4) Madhya Pradesh (MP) On December 9, 2019, In the midst of the uproar over 5) None of these the Citizenship Amendment Bill, the Nagaland state Answer – 4) Madhya Pradesh (MP) government extended an Inner Line Permit (ILP) in Explanation: Dimapur district of the state with immediate effect. The Madhya Pradesh (MP) Tourism Department is going provision of inner line permit in the state has been made to organize a 3-day Cultural Festival ‘Namaste Orchha under Section 2 of the Bengal Eastern Frontier 2020’ in Orchha from March 6 – March 8, 2020, with the Regulation, 1873. The ILP system now operates in all 11 aim to promote MP Tourism through Orchha & especially districts of the Nagaland. to attract tourists. The information was provided by Mr. 18) Which state government has announced to set Sudhi Ranjan Mohanty, Chief Secretary, Government of up 45 fast track courts for speedy disposal of Madhya Pradesh at a press conference in Bhopal on rape cases registered under Protection of December 11, 2019. Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act 21) Which state has launched 2 social welfare 2012? schemes – ‘Vijayamritham’ and ‘Sahachari’ to 1) West Bengal 2) Maharashtra provide motivation and to become the helping 3) Odisha 4) Assam hand for differently-abled persons? 5) None of these 1) Kerala 2) Assam Answer – 3) Odisha 3) Odisha 4) Karnataka Explanation: 5) None of these On December 10, 2019 the govt of Odisha announced Answer – 1) Kerala to set up 45 fast track courts for speedy disposal of rape Explanation: cases registered under Protection of Children from On December 13, 2019, In order to provide Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act 2012, in the state. The motivation and to become the helping hand for decision was taken due to the rising incidents of sexual differently-abled persons, the state Government of offences against women and children and the need to Kerala has launched 2 social welfare schemes – dispose the cases quickly. ‘Vijayamritham’ and ‘Sahachari’. These schemes are also 53 applicable to NSS (National Service Scheme), 24) Name the application launched by Madhya NCC(National Cadet Corps) and Student Police Cadet Pradesh (MP) police department to ensure the (SPC) units working for their care and welfare. safety of women? Vijayamritham’: It provides a one-time cash award to 1) ‘MP e-cop’ 2) ‘MP Safe’ meritorious differently-abled people who have scored 3) ‘MP Help’ 4) ‘MP e-Help’ high marks in Degree/ Equivalent courses, Post Graduate 5) None of these (PG) & Professional courses. Sahachari scheme: This Answer – 1) ‘MP e-cop’ scheme aims to provide encouragement to NCC/NSS/SPC Explanation: units functioning in schools that offer assistance to On 16th December 2019, the Madhya Pradesh (MP) differently-abled students with over 40% disability in police have launched an application named ‘MP e-cop’ to their studies as well as other extra-curricular activities. ensure the safety of women. The MP e-cop app includes 22) Under which scheme, Odisha government has SOS (an international code signal for extreme distress) included the department of agriculture and facility which will send an alert SMS (Short Message farmer’s empowerment to provide quality Service) to 100 and any five phone numbers fed in the app governance to the people? as soon as the button is pressed. 1) Biju Swastya Kalyan Yojana 25) Which state has launched the “Jal Sathi” 2) Sarbakhyama Yojana program with an objective to engage women 3) Utthan Scheme from the self-help group in water distribution 4) Mo Sarkar and consumer management? 5) None of these 1) West Bengal 2) Odisha Answer – 4) Mo Sarkar 3) Assam 4) Mizoram Explanation: 5) None of these On 12th December, The Odisha Government Answer – 2) Odisha included the department of agriculture and farmer’s Explanation: empowerment in the “Mo Sarkar” scheme as an On 18th December 2019, Naveen Patnaik, Chief expansion of the ‘5T’ initiative. The plan will also be Minister (CM) of Odisha launched the “Jal Sathi” implemented by the Department of Higher Education program in Bhubaneswar, to engage women from the (DHE). The ‘Mo Sarkar program’ also called ‘My self-help group mission Shakti in water distribution and Government’ was launched on 2nd October 2019, it was consumer management. Under the program women first implemented in the department of Home and volunteers will ensure the supply of clean drinking water Health. The aim of the program is to provide service with through piped water systems. dignity to people who are coming to government offices 26) Name the new Agriculture Policy of Odisha for different purposes. for the year 2020 that was launched recently? 23) Which organization has launched country’s 1) SURAKSHA 2) SHRAM first waste exchange platform to buy and sell 3) SANSAD 4) SAMRIDHI reusable and recycled products online? 5) None of these 1) Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation Answer – 4) SAMRIDHI 2) Greater Chennai Corporation Explanation: 3) Chennai Metro Water Supply and Sewage Board On 17th December 2019, Naveen Patnaik, Chief 4) Chennai Waste Management Board Minister (CM) of Odisha approved ‘SAMRIDHI’, the new 5) None of these Agriculture Policy for the year 2020 to ensure consistent Answer – 2) Greater Chennai Corporation sustainable growth in the income of farmers and to make Explanation: sure that all policies reach small and marginal farmers. On 13th December 2019, the Greater Chennai The policy will also focus on fisheries and livestock along Corporation, Chennai, Tamil Nadu (TN) launched with traditional crops. country’s first waste exchange platform 27) Which state/UT has signed a Memorandum of (www.madraswasteexchange.com) to buy and sell Understanding (MoU) with the United reusable and recycled products online. It will run on a Nations Development Programme (UNDP) pilot basis for the first three months. Based on the India to strengthen the immunization supply response from public and waste recyclers, more features chain system? will be added to the website. 1) Jammu and Kashmir2) Ladakh 54

3) Assam 4) Mizoram 5) None of these 5) None of these Answer – 3) Telangana Answer – 1) Jammu and Kashmir Explanation: Explanation: Former judge Justice G Chandraiah was appointed On 17th December 2019, the Jammu and Kashmir as Chairman of the State Human Rights Commission administration signed a Memorandum of Understanding (SHRC). He succeeded Nisar Ahmad Kakru, who was the (MoU) with the United Nations Development Programme last SHRC chairman in Telangana and the post was left (UNDP) India to strengthen the immunization supply vacant after his retirement in 2016. N. Anand Rao and chain system in the Union territory. Atal Dulloo, Mohammed Irfan Moinuddin were also appointed as Financial Commissioner, Health and Medical Education members of the SHRC.It is the 1st time the state Department presided over the signing of MoU to government has constituted the Lokayukta and Human implement Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network Rights Commission since the formation of the state in (eVIN). The eVIN is carried out by the Ministry of Health 2014. and Family Welfare and supported by UNDP. 31) Name the former president of Shiromani 28) Which state government has launched the Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), Solar Energy Policy 2019, Wind and Hybrid who passed away in Gurugram, Haryana? Energy Policy 2019 along with Industrial 1) Sundar Singh Ji Ramgadhia Development Policy 2019 to promote 2) Roop Singh Ji industrial development? 3) Avtar Singh Makkar 1) Gujarat 2) Odisha 4) Gobind Singh Longowal 3) Assam 4) Rajasthan 5) None of these 5) None of these Answer – 3) Avtar Singh Makkar Answer – 4) Rajasthan Explanation: Explanation: On December 20, 2019 former Shiromani Gurdwara On December 20, 2019, the Chief Minister of Parbandhak Committee(SGPC) president Avtar Singh Rajasthan, Ashok Gehlot, has launched new policies Makkar (39th president) passed away at the age of 78 in related to renewable energy namely, Solar Energy Policy Gurugram, Haryana due to brief illness. Avtar was the 2019, Wind and Hybrid Energy Policy 2019 along with founder president of Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Industrial Development Policy 2019 at an event in which was then a hub for Akali politics. Jaipur, Rajasthan. The state govt also launched two 32) Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA), Investment Promotion Schemes, those are, Rajasthan Thomas Chandy passed away recently, he was Investment Promotion Scheme 2019 and Chief Minister’s from which state? Small Scale Industries Promotion Scheme 2019. 1) Kerala 2) Karnataka 29) Who was appointed as the Telangana’s first 3) Andhra Pradesh 4) Assam LokAyukta on December 20, 2019? 5) None of these 1) P Lakshman Reddy 2) CV Ramulu Answer – 1) Kerala 3) Reva Khetrapal 4) Nawal Kishore Agarwal Explanation: 5) None of these The National Congress Party (NCP) State President Answer – 2) CV Ramulu and Kerala MLA, Thomas Chandy passed away due to Explanation: cancer at the age of 72 at his home in Kochi. He was On December 20, 2019 Former High Court Judge CV closely associated with Kerala Student Union (KSU) and Ramulu has been appointed as the Lokayukta in later with the Congress.He also built a business empire in Telangana. His order was issued by Telangana governor the Persian Gulf. Dr.Tamilisai Sounderarajan with immediate effect. 33) What was the theme of the 11th edition of Apart from CV Ramulu, Former law secretary V Niranjan Regional Quality Conclave (RQC) that held in Rao has been appointed as Upa Lokayukta. Uttarakhand? 30) Which state has appointed G Chandraiah, as 1) Theme – “Creating and Sustaining a Quality its Chairman of the State Human Rights Culture” Commission (SHRC)? 2) Theme – “Quality Enablers for Manufacturing 1) Assam 2) Karnataka Competitiveness & Trade” 3) Telangana 4) Andhra Pradesh 55

3) Theme – “Quality and Manufacturing Excellence and theatre. The award consists a cash prize worth of Rs. for Sustainable Growth” 25,000, a citation and shawl. Also, Marathi Actress, Usha 4) Theme – “Advance Manufacturing with Quality, Naik was also awarded the Ganga-Jamuna Award 2019. Innovation & Technology Interventions” These awards were presented by Thane Mayor Naresh 5) None of these Mhaske. Answer – 4) Theme – “Advance Manufacturing with 36) Name the Programme launched by WE Hub in Quality, Innovation & Technology Interventions” partnership with Start-up India, Department Explanation: for Promotion of Industry and Internal On December 20, 2019 the Quality Council of India Trade(DPIIT) in Telangana? (QCI) along with PHD Chamber of Commerce and 1) EMPOWER 2) SUPPORT Industry (PHDCCI) organised the 11th edition of 3) WEP 4) WING Regional Quality Conclave (RQC) at Rudrapur, Udham 5) None of these Singh Nagar of Uttarakhand. The theme of the RQC was Answer – 4) WING “Advance Manufacturing with Quality, Innovation & Explanation: Technology Interventions. On December 20, 2019 the WE hub, announced its 34) Name the Scheme launched by Andhra partnership with Start-up India, Department for Pradesh government to provide Rs 24,000 per Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade(DPIIT) to annum for each handloom weaver family? launch Startup India’s flagship program for women 1) Rajiv Yuva Kiranalu 2) Nethanna Nestham entrepreneurs called WING. Its stands for Women Rise 3) Mana Biyyam 4) Bangaru Thalli Together program in Telangana. The program was 5) None of these launched in collaboration with KSUM (Kerala Startup Answer – 2) Nethanna Nestham Mission) and would provide the entrepreneurs with Explanation: knowledge on innovation and access to incubation, investors and business support. On December 22, 2019, the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh (AP) Shri Yeduguri Sandinti Jagan Mohan 37) Who were honoured with the Kerala Sahitya Reddy launched a scheme for weavers named “Nethanna Akademi Fellowships for 2018? Nestham” at Dharmavaram of Anantapur district. The 1) S R Lal and V K K Ramesh aim of the scheme is to provide Rs 24,000 per annum for 2) K G Sankara Pillai and S R Lal each handloom weaver family. The scheme would provide 3) V K K Ramesh and K G Sankara Pillai financial aid to about 85,000 families across the State for 4) M Mukudan and K G Sankara Pillai a period of 5 years. Thus, each family would get Rs. 5) None of these 1.2lakh at the end of 5 years. The CM also announced Answer – 4) M Mukudan and K G Sankara Pillai ex-gratia to all the families of the deceased weavers who Explanation: had committed suicide. Families of 57 weavers from Kerala Sahitya Akademi fellowships and awards Anantapur district, AP will be given a financial 2018 were announced by Akademi President assistance of Rs.3.5 crores.The cheques would be Vaisakhan.Novelist M Mukudan and Poet K G Sankara delivered by public representatives and authorities. Pillai were selected for the Kerala Sahitya Akademi 35) Who won the prestigious Janakavi P fellowships 2018.This fellowship is the special Sawlaram Memorial Award 2019 for his membership of Kerala Sahitya Akademi, apart from the contribution in the field of cinema and cash prize of Rs 50,000, a gold locket of two sovereigns theatre? and a Citation each. 1) Atul Kale 2) Vinay Apte 38) For which poetry, V M Girija has been 3) Sharad Ponkshe 4) Pravin Tarde selected for the best poetry award? 5) None of these 1) Kunjunniyude Yathrapusthakam Answer – 3) Sharad Ponkshe 2) Budhha Pournami Explanation: 3) Choottum Koottum On December 23, 2019, Sharad Ponkshe (52), an 4) Ushna Rashi Indian film actor and writer, mainly working in Hindi 5) None of these and Marathi cinema, was awarded prestigious Janakavi Answer – 2) Budhha Pournami P Sawlaram Memorial Award 2019 at Thane in Explanation: Maharashtra for his contribution in the field of cinema 56

V M Girija’s ‘Budhha Pournami’ has been selected of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for the best poetry award. Skaria Zakkaria, O.M. Anujan, (NASA), which had identified some plants that can S. Rajasekharan, Manamubur Rajan Babu and Nalini absorb the harmful pollutants from air. Bekal were given Lifetime Achievement Awards. These 40) Which State/UT cabinet has approved Electric awards carry Rs 30,000, Citation and Ponnada each. Vehicle (EV) policy 2019 with an objective to reduce air pollution? WINNERS OF AKADEMI AWARDS 1) Delhi 2) Maharashtra 3) Tamil Nadu 4) Jammu and Kashmir WINNERS CATEGORIES 5) None of these V M Girija Best Poem for Budhha Answer – 1) Delhi Pournami Explanation: K V Mohankumar Best Novel (Ushna Rashi) On 23rd December 2019, Delhi Cabinet led by Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal gave approval to an Electric K Best Short Story Vehicle (EV) policy 2019 with an objective to reduce air (Mananchira) pollution. It will be valid for three years. Rajmohan Neeleswaram Best Drama (Choottum 41) By which year, the Delhi government aims to Koottum) make 25% of the registered vehicles in the P P Literary Criticism state to be electric vehicles? (Adhunikathayude 1) 2035 2) 2024 3) 2025 4) 2030 Pinnamburam) 5) None of these K Babu Joseph Knowledge Literature Answer – 2) 2024 Muni Narayana Prasad Biography Explanation: The Delhi government aims to make 25% of the Baiju N Nair Travelogue registered vehicles in the state to be electric vehicles by P P K Pothuval Translation the year 2024 under this Electric Vehicle (EV) policy S R Lal Children’s Literature 2019. (Aims to register 5 lakhs in 5 years) (Kunjunniyude 42) Which state will observe the year 2020 as Yathrapusthakam) “Susashan Sankalp Varsh”? V K K Ramesh Comedy Literature (Who is 1) Haryana 2) Assam afraid of V K N) 3) West Bengal 4) Gujarat 5) None of these Answer – 1) Haryana 39) Name the railway station, which has Explanation: collaborated with Airo Guard & opened the The year 2020 will be observed as “Susashan ‘Oxygen Parlour’ to provide an experience of Sankalp Varsh”in Haryana.Reforms in governance will breathing clean air and to battle against rising be invited from people in the state. A website will also be air pollution? created in this regard. 1) 43) Name the scheme launched by Delhi 2) Kasara railway station government to provide pucca house to the 3) Railway Station residents of Jhuggi Jhopri (JJ) clusters? 4) Igatpuri railway station 1) Jai Bhim Mukhyamantri Yojana 5) None of these 2) Ladli yojana Answer – 3) Nashik Railway Station 3) Mukhyamantri Aawas Yojana Explanation: 4) Jai Bhim Mukhyamantri Pratibha Vikas Scheme On December 24, 2019, ‘Oxygen Parlour’ has been 5) None of these opened at Nashik Railway Station in Maharashtra by Answer – 3) Mukhyamantri Aawas Yojana Indian Railways in collaboration with Airo Guard to Explanation: provide an experience of breathing clean air and to battle On 24th December 2019, Chief Minister of Delhi, against rising air pollution. The Oxygen Parlour is Arvind Kejriwal launched the scheme named equipped with plants; based on the 1989 recommendation ‘Mukhyamantri Aawas Yojana’ for the residents of 57

Jhuggi Jhopri (JJ) clusters & it will provide a pucca house till 31st March, 2019.The CM also distributed subsidy to every citizen in Delhi.Delhi government has conducted sanction letters under this scheme to 1,546 students the survey under Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement during the event. Board (DUSIB) that mandated to construct houses for the 46) Which state has launched the “Atal Kisan slum dwellers. During the event, the government has Mazdoor canteen” for the benefit of farmers distributed ownership certificates to 65,000 families and labourers? residing in slums. They will be provided with Pucca house 1) Haryana 2) West Bengal soon. 3) Assam 4) Gujarat 44) Which state government has launched the 5) None of these “Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Farmer Loan Answer – 1) Haryana Waiver Scheme” and subsidized meal scheme Explanation: named “Shiv Bhojan” programme for the On December 29, 2019, Haryana Chief Minister poor? (CM) Manohar Lal Khattar has inaugurated a “Atal 1) Karnataka 2) Maharashtra Kisan Mazdoor canteen” (named after former PM late 3) Madhya Pradesh 4) Andhra Pradesh Atal Bihari Vajpayee) built by the Haryana State 5) None of these Agricultural Marketing Board at a cost of Rs 4 lakh in Answer – 2) Maharashtra Karnal’s New Anaj Mandi, Haryana. This canteen will Explanation: greatly benefit farmers and labourers, who can get food On December 25, 2019, Maharashtra chief minister for Rs 10. The canteen, open from 11 am – 3 pm, will Uddhav Thackeray approved the “Mahatma Jyotirao provide nutritious food (including 4 rotis, pulses, Phule Farmer Loan Waiver Scheme” and subsidized meal vegetables and rice) to the laborers. Such canteen system scheme named “Shiv Bhojan” programme for the poor. will also be started in the sugar mills of the state. Under Farmer Loan Waiver Scheme short-term crop loan 47) Name the app launched by Odisha up to Rs 2 lakh taken by farmers between April 1, government using which the people can pay 2015-March 31, 2019, and short-term restructured crop land revenue online without visiting a loan arrears up to September 30, 2019, will be waived. It government office? will be implemented from March 2020 and Maha Vikas 1) ePAY4LAND 2) ePAYLAND Aghadi will provide Rs 21,216 crore for scheme. Shiv 3) ePAY App 4) ePAUTI App Bhojan” programme: The Rs 6.4 crore programme will be 5) None of these started as pilot project for three months. Under this, at Answer – 4) ePAUTI App least one ‘Shiv Bhojan’ canteen will be started at district Explanation: headquarters. Each canteen will serve 500 thalis (plates) which is available at Rs 10 each, consisting of two On 28 December 2019 Chief Minister of Odisha has chapatis, one vegetable, rice and dal. Canteens serving launched an e-certificate portal and ePAUTI App. The the meal will be functional between 12 noon and 2 pm. e-certificate project is a part of 5T model of Governance by the revenue and disaster management department. 45) Name the Education Loan Subsidy scheme According to CM, no fees will be charged for the launched by Assam Chief Minister (CM) certificates specifying these services as the rights of the Sarbananda Sonowal? people. ePAUTI App, people can pay land revenue online 1) Krishi Sinchai Yojana with the help of their smartphones without visiting a 2) Kaushalya Yojana government office. 3) Krishak Swahid Scheme 48) Under which act, the entire Nagaland was 4) Abhinandan Scheme declared ‘disturbed area’ for six more 5) None of these months? Answer – 4) Abhinandan Scheme 1) Section 4 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Explanation: Act, 1959 On December 27, 2019, Assam Chief Minister (CM) 2) Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Sarbananda Sonowal has launched an Education Loan Act, 1958 Subsidy scheme called “Abhinandan”, during a 3) Section 4 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) programme held at Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra in Act, 1956 Guwahati. The scheme will provide a one-time subsidy of 4) Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) up to Rs 50,000 to all educational loans that sanctioned Act, 1957 58

5) None of these Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 ie., AFSPA Act, Answer – 2) Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special for a further period of 6 more months with effect from Powers) Act, 1958 30th December, 2019. The implementation of AFSPA has Explanation: been active in Nagaland for almost 6 decades (60 years) On December 30, 2019, The Ministry of Home even after a framework agreement was signed on August Affairs(MoHA) has declared the entire region of 3, 2015. “Nagaland” as a disturbed area under section 3 of the INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

1) Name the first Arab country that will assume On December 3, 2019, According to the “Business- the G20 (Group of 20) presidency? to-Consumer (B2C) E-commerce Index 2019” released by 1) United Arab Emirates UNCTAD’s (United Nations Conference on Trade and 2) Sudan Development), India has moved seven places up and 3) Saudi Arabia ranked 73rd out of 152 countries index that measures an 4) Jordan economy’s preparedness to support online shopping with the Index score of 57.0. For the 2nd consecutive year in a 5) None of these row, the Netherlands leads the Index with the score of Answer – 3) Saudi Arabia 1. 96.4, followed by Switzerland (2nd with 95.5) and Explanation: Singapore (3rd with 95.1). On December 1, 2019, Saudi Arabia became the first 4) Which organization has released a report country in the Arab world to head G20 (Group of 20) after titled “World malaria report 2019”? it took over from Japan. The G20 summit for 2020 will be 1) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia under the theme of (CDC) “Realising Opportunities of the 21st Century for All”, 2) World Health Organization (WHO) from 21-22 November,2020. It will also focus on three aims namely, empowering people, safeguarding the 3) United Nations (UN) planet, and shaping new frontiers. 4) United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) 2) Which country topped in the UNCTAD’s (United Nations Conference on Trade and 5) None of these Development) “Business-to-Consumer (B2C) Answer – 2) World Health Organization (WHO) E-commerce Index 2019”? Explanation: 1) Netherlands 2) Switzerland On December 4, 2019 the World Health 3) Singapore 4) Organization (WHO) released a report titled “World 5) None of these malaria report 2019”. The report was on Malarial cases and steps taken regarding the disease globally. 2. Answer – 1) Netherlands How much percent of the malaria cases was Explanation: 5) reduced in India in 2018 as per the World On December 3, 2019, According to the “Business-to- Health Organization (WHO)’s “World malaria Consumer (B2C) E-commerce Index 2019” released by report 2019”? UNCTAD’s (United Nations Conference on Trade and 1) 35% 2) 25% 3) 28% 4) 32% Development).For the 2nd consecutive year in a row, the Netherlands leads the Index with the score of 96.4, 5) None of these followed by Switzerland (2nd with 95.5) and Answer – 3) 28% Singapore(3rd with 95.1). Explanation: 3) What is the rank of India in the UNCTAD’s On December 4, 2019 the World Health (United Nations Conference on Trade and Organization (WHO) released a report titled “World Development) “Business-to-Consumer (B2C) malaria report 2019”. The report was on Malarial cases E-commerce Index 2019”? and steps taken regarding the disease globally. The 1) 77 2) 69 3) 71 4) 73 report in detail are as follows, As per the report, India was one of the only two countries of the 11 high- burden- 5) None of these to- high -impact (HBHI) countries that achieved a Answer – 4) 73 significant reduction in the number of malaria cases in Explanation: 59

2018 compared to previous year (2017). Accordingly, On December 4, 2019, According to the 15th edition India reported 2.6million fewer cases with 28% reduction of “Global Climate Risk Index (CRI) 2020: Who Suffers in malaria cases. The country next to India was . Most from Extreme Weather Events? Weather-Related It reported 1.5million fewer cases. Loss Events in 2018 and 1999 to 2018” released by 6) Where was the 2019 NATO (North Atlantic Germanwatch (a non-profit, non-governmental Treaty Organization) Summit held? organization based in Bonn, Germany), India ranked 5th 1) Ottawa, Canada 2) Brussels, Belgium in the global list of most climate-affected country in 2018 3) London, United Kingdom (UK) with the CRI score of 18.17. India’s rank has worsened from the 14th position in 2017 due to severe rainfalls, 4) Washington D.C., United States (US) followed by heavy flooding and landslides that killed over 5) None of these 1000 people. Answer – 3) London, United Kingdom (UK) Explanation: Ranking Country Name CRI Score Ranking 2017 The United Kingdom(UK) hosted two day organised 2018 2019 NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) Summit in London from December 3-4, 2019. The year 1 Japan 5.50 36 2019 marks the 70th anniversary of the summit. It was 2 11.17 20 attended by NATO leaders and chaired by NATO 3 Germany 13.83 40 Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. The purpose of the summit was to make the heads of state and heads of 4 Madagascar 15.83 72 government of NATO member countries to evaluate and 5 India 18.17 14 provide strategic direction for Alliance activities. 7) Which country topped in the Germanwatch’s 9) Which country topped in the Comparitech’s 15th edition of “Global Climate Risk Index list of invasive use of Biometrics? (CRI) 2020: Who Suffers Most from Extreme 1) Pakistan Weather Events? Weather-Related Loss 2) United States of America(USA) Events in 2018 and 1999 to 2018”? 3) China 1) Madagascar 2) Japan 4) Malaysia 3) Germany 4) Philippines 5) None of these 5) None of these Answer – 3) China Answer – 2) Japan Explanation: Explanation: On 4th December 2019, a study done by On December 4, 2019, According to the 15th edition Comparitech, Britain-based tech research firm, states of “Global Climate Risk Index (CRI) 2020: Who Suffers that China, Malaysia and Pakistan come before India in Most from Extreme Weather Events? Weather-Related the invasive use of Biometrics list. Loss Events in 2018 and 1999 to 2018” released by 10) What is the rank of India in the Comparitech’s Germanwatch (a non-profit, non-governmental list of invasive use of Biometrics? organization based in Bonn, Germany). Japan topped the 1) 5 2) 7 3) 6 4) 3 list of the most affected countries with the CRI score of 5) None of these 5.50. It was severely affected by three strong extreme Answer – 1) 5 weather events (including Typhoon Jebi in September Explanation: 2018) during 2018. On 4th December 2019, a study done by What is the rank of India in the 8) Comparitech, Britain-based tech research firm, states Germanwatch’s 15th edition of “Global that India ranks 5th along with Taiwan, and Climate Risk Index (CRI) 2020: Who Suffers the Philippines in the list of invasive use of Biometrics Most from Extreme Weather Events? while China, Malaysia and Pakistan come before India in Weather-Related Loss Events in 2018 and 1999 the list. India’s performance could have been worse if the to 2018”? Aadhar, India’s national biometric database had been 1) 9 2) 3 3) 7 4) 5 under the access of Police and other investigation 5) None of these agencies. List of top Ranks in the invasive use of Answer – 4) 5 Biometrics: Explanation: 60

Country Rank Score out of 25 theme of the conference for the year 2019 is ‘Collaborative approach towards Regional Security’. China 1 24 13) Where was the 7th edition of the OPEC Malaysia 2 21 (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Pakistan 3 21 Countries) and non-OPEC Ministerial Meeting The United States of 4 20 held? America(USA) 1) New Delhi, India 2) Washington D.C., United States India, Indonesia, the Philippines, 5 19 Taiwan 3) Geneva, Switzerland 4) Vienna, Austria 5) None of these 11) Where did IAF Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria addressed the Pacific Air Answer – 4) Vienna, Austria Force Chiefs Conference (PACS-2019)? Explanation: 1) Damascus, Syria On December 6, 2019 the 7th edition of the OPEC 2) Hawaii, United States(US) (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) and 3) Tehran, Iran non-OPEC Ministerial Meeting was held in Vienna, Austria. The meeting was held under the 4) Moscow, Russia Co-Chairmanship of OPEC’s President, Manuel Salvador 5) None of these Quevedo Fernandez, People’s Minister of Petroleum of Answer – 2) Hawaii, United States(US) the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, and Alexander Explanation: Novak, Minister of Energy of the Russian Federation. On December 4, 2019 Pacific Air Force Chiefs 14) Which country topped in the United Nations Conference (PACS-2019) was held at the American Development Programme (UNDP)’s “Human military base in Pearl Harbour in Hawaii, United Development Report 2019 – Beyond income, States(US). Air chiefs of the Air forces of various beyond averages, beyond today: Inequalities countries participated in the conference. Representing in human development in the 21st century”? India, Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh 1) Scotland 2) Ireland Bhadauria participated in the conference. 3) Norway 4) Switzerland 12) What was the theme of the Pacific Air Force 5) None of these Chiefs Conference (PACS-2019)? Answer – 3) Norway 1) Theme – “Future Challenges and Collaboration in Military Health” Explanation: On December 8, 2019 the United Nations 2) Theme – “Challenges to Regional Security: Development Programme(UNDP) released its report Promoting Combined Operations in the titled “Human Development Report 2019– Beyond Indo-Asia-Pacific” income, beyond averages, beyond today: Inequalities in 3) Theme – “Unity of Effort: Building Civil-Military human development in the 21st century”. The report was Partnerships in Land Force” based on the human development of a changing world. 4) Theme – “Collaborative approach towards The list was topped by Norway. The report in detail are as Regional Security” follows: 5) None of these Answer – 4) Theme – “Collaborative approach Rank Country towards Regional Security” Explanation: 1 Norway. On December 4, 2019 Pacific Air Force Chiefs 2 Switzerland. Conference (PACS-2019) was held at the American 3 Ireland. military base in Pearl Harbour in Hawaii, United 189 Niger (last rank) States(US). Air chiefs of the Air forces of various countries participated in the conference. Representing India, Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh 15) What is the rank of India in the United Nations Bhadauria participated in the conference. Theme: The Development Programme (UNDP)’s “Human Development Report 2019 – Beyond income, 61

beyond averages, beyond today: Inequalities Producing and Military Services Companies, 2018”. As in human development in the 21st century”? per the report, arms sales rose up by 4.6% in 2018. 1) 129 2) 132 3) 125 4) 145 18) Which country topped in the list of 5) None of these unvaccinated children for measles for the Answer – 1) 129 year 2018 as per the report titled Morbidity Explanation: and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) by On December 8, 2019 the United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) and Development Programme(UNDP) released its report UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund)? titled “Human Development Report 2019– Beyond 1) Namibia 2) income, beyond averages, beyond today: Inequalities in 3) Nigeria 4) Ethiopia human development in the 21st century”. The report was 5) None of these based on the human development of a changing world. As Answer – 3) Nigeria per the report India ranked 129th out of 189 countries in Explanation: the list which is up by 1 rank of 130 from 2017. The list On December 6, 2019, According to the joint report of was topped by Norway. World Health Organization(WHO) and UNICEF (United 16) Which country topped in the Stockholm Nations Children’s Fund) published in Morbidity and International Peace Research Institute Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), India has the 2nd (SIPRI)’s “The SIPRI Top 100 Arms Producing highest number of children who are not vaccinated and Military Services Companies, 2018” & against measles with 2.3 million in 2018 (2.9 million in remained the world’s largest arms producer? 2017). Nigeria, an African country tops the list with 2.4 1) United Kingdom 2) United States million unvaccinated children (4 million unvaccinated 3) Russia 4) China children in 2017). 5) None of these 19) How many children are not vaccinated for Answer – 2) United States measles in India for the year 2018 as per the Explanation: report titled Morbidity and Mortality Weekly On December 9, 2019 the Stockholm International Report (MMWR) by World Health Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) released a report on Organization (WHO) and UNICEF (United worldwide arms sales titled “The SIPRI Top 100 Arms Nations Children’s Fund)? Producing and Military Services Companies, 2018”. India 1) 2.3 million 2) 2.5 million ranked 10th in the overall country ranking while, United 3) 3.2 million 4) 3.5 million States(US) topped the list. Overall country ranking: 5) None of these Answer – 1) 2.3 million Rank Country Explanation: 10 India. On December 6, 2019, According to the joint report of World Health Organization(WHO) and UNICEF (United 1 United States. Nations Children’s Fund) published in Morbidity and 2 Russia. Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), India has the 2nd 3 United Kingdom. highest number of children who are not vaccinated against measles with 2.3 million in 2018 (2.9 million in 17) By how much percent, global arms sales were 2017). raised in 2018 as per the Stockholm 20) Which country has decided to shut down the International Peace Research Institute appeal court of WTO (World Trade (SIPRI)’s “The SIPRI Top 100 Arms Producing Organisation)? and Military Services Companies, 2018”? 1) China 2) United Kingdom (UK) 1) 5.2% 2) 3.9% 3) 4.2% 4) 4.6% 3) United States (US) 4) Russia 5) None of these 5) None of these Answer – 4) 4.6% Answer – 3) United States (US) Explanation: Explanation: On December 9, 2019 the Stockholm International On December 9, 2019, The United States (US) Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) released a report on decided to shut down the appeal court of WTO (World worldwide arms sales titled “The SIPRI Top 100 Arms Trade Organisation) in response to WTOs decisions 62 against the federal trade rules imposed by the US nation by gaining independence from Papua New Guinea. administration. WTO’s appeal court acts as a trade The chairman of Bougainville Referendum Commission dispute settlement body for its member countries. Reason Bertie Ahern declared that 98% of the voters backed for shut down: The appeal court which consisted of independence. In the total of 1,76,928 people that voted, 7-member body was then cut down to a 3-member body in only 3,043 voted in favour of remaining with Papua New 2018. Recently, the terms of two of the last three judges Guinea itself with more autonomy. Bougainville on the WTO’s appellate body ended on December 10,2019. Referendum: Bougainville is an island in Papua New 21) Which city topped in the list of Euromonitor Guinea. The Bougainville referendum is a key part of a International’s ‘Top 100 City Destinations’ of 2001 peace agreement that ended a civil war in which at 2019? least 15,000 people died in the cluster of islands to the 1) Hong Kong 2) Bangkok east of Papua New Guinea mainland. 3) London 4) Singapore 24) Which country has designated India’s 5) None of these Indigenously developed satellite navigation Answer – 1) Hong Kong system “NAVIC (NAVigation with Indian Constellation)” as allied navigational satellite Explanation: system? On December 6, 2019, According to list of the ‘Top 1) Russia 2) United States 100 City Destinations’ of 2019 released by the UK based market research company Euromonitor International. 3) Japan 4) China Hong Kong continues to hold the top position. Favorite 5) None of these cities for tourists also include Bangkok, Macau, Answer – 2) United States Singapore, London and New York City. Explanation: 22) Name the Indian city, that topped in the list of On December 11, 2019, The US (United States) Euromonitor International’s ‘Top 100 City Congress has approved to designate India’s Indigenously Destinations’ of 2019 among other Indian cities developed satellite navigation system, NAVIC & ranked 11th globally? (NAVigation with Indian Constellation) as “allied” 1) Chennai 2) Agra navigational satellite system along with the Galileo of the 3) Mumbai 4) Delhi European Union and QZSS (Quasi-Zenith Satellite System) of Japan. The tag has been given as part of the 5) None of these conference report under National Defense Authorization Answer – 4) Delhi Act (NDAA) 2020. The designation of allied system would Explanation: means that the Indian Space Research Organisation’s On December 6, 2019, According to list of the ‘Top (ISRO) regional navigation system- NAVIC will be 100 City Destinations’ of 2019 released by the UK based treated at par with the European Union’s(EU) Galileo market research company Euromonitor International, 7 and Japan’s QZSS. cities in India are included in the list including the capital 25) Which city hosted the 25th session of the Delhi (11th position due to the strong development in its Conference of the Parties (COP 25)? tourism infrastructure, having a world class airport and 1) Tokyo, Japan 2) Beijing, China is focusing on luxury, medical, sports and cultural tourism) .Other Indian cities in list includes, Mumbai 3) Washington D.C., U.S. (14th ), Agra(26th), Chennai (36th ), Pink City Jaipur 4) Madrid, Spain (39th position), Kolkata (76th ) and Bengaluru (100th ). 5) None of these 23) Which is set to become the world’s newest Answer – 4) Madrid, Spain nation after 98% of voters had backed Explanation: independence from Papua New Guinea in its The 25th United Nations(UN) Climate Change election? Conference held in Madrid, Spain from December 2-13, 1) Milne Bay 2) Manus 2019. The conference featured 25th session of the 3) Bougainville 4) New Mecklenburg Conference of the Parties (COP 25) to the United Nations 5) None of these Framework Convention to Combat Climate Change (UNFCCC). Answer – 3) Bougainville Explanation: 26) What is the rank of India in the Climate On December 11, 2019 The South Pacific region of Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2020, Bougainville was voted to become the world’s newest released by Germanwatch and NewClimate 63

Institute report with the Climate Action Answer – 1) 4 categories Network (CAN)? Explanation: 1) 13th 2) 12th 3) 9th 4) 10th A total of 57 countries were ranked in the Climate 5) None of these Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2020 and the Answer – 3) 9th rankings were based on 14 indicators within 4 categories. Explanation: The 4 categories are GHG (GreenHouse Gas emissions) For the 1st time India was ranked among the top ten emissions”, “renewable energy” and “energy use”, as well countries in the Climate Change Performance Index as on “climate policy”. (CCPI) 2020, released by Germanwatch and NewClimate 30) Name the 1st Indian corporate firm, that was Institute report together with the Climate Action awarded with UN award in ‘climate neutral Network (CAN). India ranked 9th in the index in 2019. now’ category for its carbon neutral Previously in 2018, it ranked at the 11th place. The list programme? was topped by Sweden ranking 4th on the list. The top 1) Reliance Industries Limited three ranks were left empty. United States(US) ranked 2) Tech Mahindra 61st(last) on the list as the worst climate change 3) Tata Consultancy Services performer. 4) Infosys 27) By, how much percent India has reduced 5) None of these emission intensity of its GDP (gross domestic Answer – 4) Infosys product)? Explanation: 1) 33% 2) 30% 3) 15% 4) 21% On december 11, 2019 IT (Information Technology) 5) None of these services major Infosys Ltd was presented with the United Answer – 4) 21% Nations Global Climate Action Award in the ‘Climate Explanation: Neutral Now category. The Bengaluru (Karnataka)- Addressing the COP 25, Minister for Environment, headquartered company Infosys, is the 1st Indian Forest and Climate Change(MoEFCC), Shri Prakash corporate to receive the award. The award was given for Javadekar announced that India has reduced emission its outstanding achievements in combating climate intensity of its GDP (gross domestic product) by 21% and change. is also on track to achieve the goal of 35% emission 31) Which organization has planned to set up a reduction by 2030. dedicated “Green Window” to serve the 28) Name the Indian minister, who addressed the unserved segments of renewable energy BASIC Ministerial Joint Statement in Madrid, sector? Spain? 1) Institute for Energy Studies (IES) 1) Piyush Goyal 2) Prakash Javadekar 2) Indian Wind Turbine Manufacturers Association 3) Ram Vilas Paswan 4) Rajnath Singh (IWTMA) 5) None of these 3) Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Answer – 2) Prakash Javadekar (IREDA) Explanation: 4) National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE) The Ministers BASIC countries i.e., Brazil, South 5) None of these Africa, India and China group (BASIC) met during Answer – 3) Indian Renewable Energy Development COP25 in Madrid, Spain, on 10th December 2019. The Agency (IREDA) Ministers pledged their full support to the Chilean COP Explanation: (Conference of the Parties) Presidency. Mr. Prakash Addressing the COP 25 conference, Secretary for the Javadekar, Minister for Environment, Forest and Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) Shri Climate Change and Information and Broadcasting of the Anand Kumar announced that Indian Renewable Energy Republic of India attended the meeting from Indian side. Development Agency (IREDA), has planned to set up a 29) Based on how many categories, 57 countries dedicated “Green Window” to serve the unserved were ranked in the Climate Change segments of renewable energy sector. Performance Index (CCPI) 2020? 32) How many countries agreed to achieve carbon 1) 4 Categories 2) 5 Categories neutrality by 2050 during the 25th session of 3) 6 Categories 4) 8 Categories Conference of Parties (COP 25)? 5) None of these 1) 80 Countries 2) 73 Countries 64

3) 75 Countries 4) 71 Countries 5) None of these 5) None of these Answer – 2) 2050 Answer – 2) 73 Countries Explanation: Explanation: The 2050 goal is a key commitment under the 2015 A total of 73 countries agreed to achieve carbon Paris Agreement of the Europe Union on climate change. neutrality by 2050. These 73 countries represent 13% of To achieve the goal, the EU countries (comprises of 28 total global emissions. Most of the 73 countries’ emission countries) will have to slash carbon emissions generated rate is negligible when compared with big emitters such by fossil fuels and find ways to offset remaining as the USA, China and India. China, US, European emissions. It is a 100 billion -euro ($110 billion) plan for Union(EU) and India contributed to 59% of the total net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. It is also global Carbon dioxide(Co2) emissions. Out of these called European Green Deal / Europe’s man on the moon countries, China emitted 28% of Co2 emissions, while moment. In 2014, the EU agreed to cut its greenhouse gas India emitted 7% of the Co2 emissions. emissions by at least 40% by 2030 and 85%-90% by 2050. 33) Which organization has released the report 36) Name the European country that left the titled “Birth Registration for Every Child by European Union’s (EU) 2050 Climate 2030: Are we on track”? Neutrality Agreement on 13 December 2019? 1) United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) 1) Italy 2) France 3) Poland 4) Germany 2) United Nation (UN) 5) None of these 3) Save the Children Answer – 3) Poland 4) United Nations Educational, Scientific and Explanation: Cultural Organization (UNESCO) On December 13, 2019, Poland, a country located in 5) None of these Central Europe, has left European Union’s (EU) 2050 Answer – 1) United Nations Children’s Fund Climate Neutrality Agreement as it demanded more (UNICEF) funds for economic transition and support for nuclear Explanation: power. The Czech Republic and Hungary agree with a On December 11, 2019, According to the new report, course of action after winning a guarantee that nuclear ‘Birth Registration for Every Child by 2030: Are we on energy recognized for greenhouse gas emission reduction. track?’ released by UNICEF (United Nations Children’s 37) What is the target year set by UNICEF (United Fund). Nations International Children’s Emergency 34) How much percent of children registered after Fund) to achieve universal birth registration birth in the year 2015-16, where the of every child? registration of children stood at 41 % in 1) 2030 2) 2045 3) 2050 4) 2025 2005–2006? 5) None of these 1) 71% 2) 75% 3) 80% 4) 95% Answer – 1) 2030 5) None of these Explanation: Answer – 3) 80% On December 11, 2019, UNICEF (United Nations Explanation: International Children’s Emergency Fund) released a The number of registered children increased from 41 report titled ‘Birth Registration for Every Child by 2030: % in 2005–2006 to 80 % a decade later (2015-16) in India. Are we on track?’. This publication is about the latest The number of childbirth registrations has increased data on global and regional estimates of the number of significantly over the past decade & the great efforts of unregistered children worldwide. The report also South Asian countries like India, Bangladesh and Nepal analyses the steps to be taken to achieve universal birth have contributed to the global progress in this field. The registration by 2030. birth registration level in these regions has almost tripled 38) Name the only country that accounted a huge from 23% in the last two decades to 70%. As per the rise in birth registration from 41% in 2005-06 to report, the proportion of infants under the age of 5 80% over a decade according to UNICEF’s registered globally is around 20 % of the last 10 years. (United Nations International Children’s This figure has increased from 63 % to 75%. Emergency Fund) report titled ‘Birth 35) Which year is set as a target to neutralize Registration for Every Child by 2030: Are we carbon emissions by European Union (EU)? on track?’. 1) 2040 2) 2050 3) 2030 4) 2025 1) Sri Lanka 2) Nepal 65

3) Bangladesh 4) India Answer – 3) 166 million 5) None of these Explanation: Answer – 4) India The UNICEF (United Nations International Explanation: Children’s Emergency Fund)’s report titled ‘Birth On December 11, 2019, UNICEF (United Nations Registration for Every Child by 2030: Are we on track?’ International Children’s Emergency Fund) released a has analysed data from 174 countries. One in four report titled ‘Birth Registration for Every Child by 2030: children under age 5 (166 million), on average, are not Are we on track?’. This publication is about the latest registered in the world today. And even when they are, data on global and regional estimates of the number of they may not have proof of registration. The reasons are unregistered children worldwide. The report also all too common: a lack of resources and investment in analyses the steps to be taken to achieve universal birth accurate and comprehensive civil registration systems, registration by 2030. As per the report, India alone coupled with barriers in accessing birth registration accounted for a huge rise in birth registration gap, from services, along with policy, regulatory and institutional 41% in 2005-06 to 80%. obstacles. 39) Name the Indian states that recorded the 41) To what kind of transaction does Reserve lowest birth registrations as per the report Bank of India provide with additional titled ‘Birth Registration for Every Child by collateralised intra-day liquidity facility for 2030: Are we on track?’ by UNICEF (United smooth operation on a 24×7 basis from earlier Nations International Children’s Emergency time limit of 8 am to 7pm? Fund)? 1) National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT) 1) Bihar, Arunachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and 2) Unified Payments Interface (UPI) Madhya Pradesh 3) Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) 2) Bihar, Arunachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and 4) Immediate Payment Service (IMPS) Jharkhand 5) None of these 3) Bihar, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Answer – 1) National Electronic Funds Transfer Jharkhand (NEFT) 4) Bihar, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh and Explanation: Jharkhand On December 14, 2019 the Reserve Bank of 5) None of these India(RBI) has announced to provide an additional Answer – 2) Bihar, Arunachal Pradesh, Uttar collateralised intra-day liquidity (IDL) facility for smooth Pradesh and Jharkhand operation of National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT) Explanation: transactions on a 24X7 basis. This facility is called Despite India has the huge rise in birth generation Liquidity Support (LS) and it became operational from gap, half of the unregistered births have been accounted December 16, 2019. The LS facility will operate as per the for by five countries with India (14%) having the highest same terms and conditions as the Intra-Day Liquidity numbers. Low birth registration states: Bihar, Arunachal (IDL) facility. As per the facility, funds will be transferred Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand recorded the electronically 24X7 from one account to another of banks lowest birth registrations in the country. Birth which are members of this NEFT LS system. Prior to this registration among rich & poor:In India, birth announcement, the transaction timing for NEFT system registration levels have risen for both the richest and was 8 am to 7pm on working days. poorest segments of the population, and the gap between 42) Name the organization that has released the the two has narrowed. Gender Gap Index for the year 2019? 40) How many children under age of 5 are not 1) Oxfam registered in the world as per the UNICEF 2) World Economic Forum (WEF) (United Nations International Children’s 3) United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Emergency Fund)’s report titled ‘Birth 4) United Nation (UN) Registration for Every Child by 2030: Are we 5) None of these on track?’? Answer – 2) World Economic Forum (WEF) 1) 146 million 2) 156 million Explanation: 3) 166 million 4) 176 million 5) None of these 66

On 17th December 2019, the World Economic Forum Explanation: (WEF) released its annual survey on the Gender Gap On December 18, 2019 The United States(US) govt Index for the year 2019. agency National Science Foundation (NSF) released a 43) What is India's rank in the recently released data ‘Science and Engineering Indicators 2019’ on the Gender Gap Index for the year 2019 by World number of scientific papers published worldwide for the Economic Forum (WEF)? year 2019. As per the data, the list was topped by China. 1) 114 2) 113 3) 112 4) 111 46) At what position, India stands globally on the 5) None of these number of scientific papers published Answer – 3) 112 worldwide for the year 2019 as per the ‘Science Explanation: and Engineering Indicators 2019’ released by On 17th December 2019, the World Economic Forum National Science Foundation (NSF) of United (WEF) released its annual survey, India slipped four States? places and is in the 112th place in the Gender Gap Index, 1) 3rd 2) 4th 3) 2nd 4) 5th and ranks in the bottom-five in terms of women’s health 5) None of these and survival and in the economic participation of women. Answer – 1) 3rd India has moved from the 108th as stated in 2018 report Explanation: to the current place in the gender gap index, the economic On December 18, 2019 The United States(US) govt opportunities for women is extremely limited in India agency National Science Foundation (NSF) released a with 35.4% according to the report. data ‘Science and Engineering Indicators 2019’ on the 44) Which country topped in the World Economic number of scientific papers published worldwide for the Forum (WEF)’s Gender Gap Index 2019? year 2019. As per the data, India was ranked as the 1) Iceland 2) Sweden world’s 3rd largest publisher of science and 3) Norway 4) Finland engineering(S&E) articles. The list was topped by China. 5) None of these 47) Where did Rajnath Singh and Subrahmanyam Answer – 1) Iceland Jaishankar addressed the 2nd session of 2+2 Explanation: Ministerial Dialogue between India & US? On 17th December 2019, the World Economic Forum 1) New York, United States (US) (WEF) released its annual survey, India slipped four 2) New Delhi, India places and is in the 112th place in the Gender Gap Index, 3) Washington DC, United States (US) and ranks in the bottom-five in terms of women’s health 4) Mumbai, India and survival and in the economic participation of women. 5) None of these List of Countries in Gender Gap Index: Answer – 3) Washington DC, United States (US) Explanation: Rank Country On December 18, 2019, the 2nd session of the 2+2 1 Iceland Ministerial Dialogue between India & United States(US) was held in Washington DC, US. The meeting was hosted 2 Norway by the Department of State at Foggy bottom 3 Finland headquarters in Washington DC. The focus of the 4 Sweden meeting was on deepening bilateral strategic and defence cooperation, exchanging perspectives on global 112 India developments, & shared leadership between the two countries in the Indo-Pacific region. 45) Which country has the largest number of Find the agreement, that was signed between scientific papers published worldwide for the 48) India and United States (US) during the 2nd year 2019 as per the ‘Science and Engineering session of 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in Indicators 2019’ released by National Science Washington DC, US? Foundation (NSF) of United States? 1) Research Development, Technology and 1) United Kingdom 2) United States Evaluation (RDT&E) Agreement 3) Russia 4) China 2) Industrial Security Agreement 5) None of these 3) Investment Agreement Answer – 4) China 4) Infrastructure Collaboration Agreement 67

5) None of these 1) China 2) India Answer – 2) Industrial Security Agreement 3) Japan 4) United States Explanation: 5) None of these India and the US signed an industrial security Answer – 2) India agreement which will allow transfer of defence Explanation: technology in both the nations. Prior to the signing, a On December 20, 2019, According to the new report, wide range of strategic and security issues by both the “2019 Pollution and Health Metrics: Global, Regional and nations were discussed. Purpose: This agreement, known Country Analysis” released by Global Alliance on Health as Internal security annex (ISA) will provide a framework and Pollution (GAHP), India leads the world with about for cooperation development and production linkages in 2.3 million (23,26,771 deaths) in 2017 in terms of defence manufacturing. premature deaths due to pollution. India is followed by 49) Where was the World’s first Global Refugee China (18,65,566 deaths) & Nigeria (2,79,318 deaths). Forum held? The United States (US), the world’s third most populous 1) Paris, France 2) Madrid, Spain country with 325 million people, stood at 7th position 3) Geneva, Switzerland (1,96,930 deaths). 4) Washington D.C., United States (U.S.) 52) What is the common name of the currency, 5) None of these that was renamed from “CFA Franc” by 8 West Answer – 3) Geneva, Switzerland African Nations (Benin, Burkina Faso, Explanation: Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Mali, Niger, The 1st ever Global Refugee Forum was held in Senegal and Togo) recently? Geneva, Switzerland from December 17-18 2019. The 1) Ero 2) Euro 3) Echo 4) Eco forum was co-hosted by Switzerland along with United 5) None of these Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and co-convened Answer – 4) Eco (brought together) by Turkey, Germany, Ethiopia and Explanation: Costa Rica. The forum will provide an opportunity to On December 22, 2019 8 West African Nations people to strengthen the international response against agreed to rename their common currency known as “CFA war, conflict and persecution that displaced people and Franc” to “Eco” to severe the CFA franc’s links to former left them with refugee status. colonial ruler France. This announcement in change to a 50) Which organization has released the report new currency was made during French President titled “2019 Pollution and Health Metrics: Emmanuel Jean-Michel Frédéric Macron’s visit to Ivory Global, Regional and Country Analysis” on Coast, which is France’s former main colony in West December 20, 2019? Africa and also the world’s top cocoa producer. The 8 1) United Nations Educational, Scientific and countries are Benin, Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Coast, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Togo. 2) United Nations (UN) 53) Which country has recently launched the 3) World Health Organization (WHO) “Space Force” focusing on warfare in space? 4) Global Alliance on Health and Pollution (GAHP) 1) Russia 2) United States (US) 5) None of these 3) India 4) China Answer – 4) Global Alliance on Health and Pollution 5) None of these (GAHP) Answer – 2) United States (US) Explanation: Explanation: On December 20, 2019, Global Alliance on Health On December 22, 2019, The United States (US) and Pollution (GAHP) released the report, “2019 President Donald Trump has officially launched “US Pollution and Health Metrics: Global, Regional and space force (USSF)”, the 1st new US military service in Country Analysis”. more than 70 years focusing on warfare in space. Trump has signed the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act 51) Which country has highest number of premature deaths about 2.3 million (23,26,771) to make the formation of the space force into reality, in 2017 due to pollution as per, Global Alliance which would set an initial budget for the Pentagon force on Health and Pollution (GAHP)‘s “2019 that would be equivalent for the five other branches of the Pollution and Health Metrics: Global, military. Regional and Country Analysis”? 68

54) Which organization has released the third 57) Which is the only country in the world, that edition of global report on trends in has hypersonic weapons? prevalence of tobacco use 2000-2025? 1) France 2) United States 1) Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) 3) China 4) Russia 2) World Health Organisation (WHO) 5) None of these 3) United Nation (UN) Answer – 4) Russia 4) United Nations Educational, Scientific and Explanation: Cultural Organization (UNESCO) On December 24, 2019, According to the Russian 5) None of these President, Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, Russia is the Answer – 2) World Health Organisation (WHO) only country in the world that has hypersonic weapons. Explanation: He revealed the new zircon missile at a meeting of senior On December 19, 2019 The World Health military officials in Moscow. As per Putin, the Zircon Organisation (WHO) released its 3rd edition of global missile, which can fly from land to land in 10 times faster report on trends in prevalence of tobacco use 2000-2025. than the speed of sound, has a range of more than 2,000 As per the report despite decline in tobacco usage,163 kilometers (1,250 miles) and can carry a nuclear or nations besides India are also not on track in this regard. conventional warhead. 55) What is the target year set by government of 58) Where did External Affairs Minister(EAM) of India to achieve reduction in tobacco use by India, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar co-chaired 30%? the 19th Joint Commission Meeting 2019 1) 2035 2) 2030 3) 2025 4) 2040 between India & Iran? 5) None of these 1) Mumbai, India 2) Tehran, Iran Answer – 3) 2025 3) New Delhi, India 4) Tabriz, Iran Explanation: 5) None of these On December 19, 2019 The World Health Answer – 2) Tehran, Iran Organisation (WHO) released its 3rd edition of global Explanation: report on trends in prevalence of tobacco use 2000-2025. External Affairs Minister(EAM), Subrahmanyam As per the report despite decline in tobacco usage, India is Jaishankar, who was on a 2-day (22-23 December 2019) off track to achieve 30% reduction in tobacco use by 2025 visit to Iran, co-chaired the 19th Joint Commission when compared to its 2010 levels. 163 nations besides Meeting 2019 with his Iranian counterpart Javad Zarif in India are also not on track in this regard. Expected Tehran, Iran. tobacco usage reduction by 2025: Based on current 59) Which of the following countries were progress by India, a reduction in the tobacco usage by involved in Chabahar port project? 23% by 2025 is expected in the country. 1) India, Nepal and Bangladesh 56) Which city will host the 17th India-EU summit 2) India, Myanmar and Bangladesh in the year 2020? 3) India, Iran and Afghanistan 1) Brussels, Belgium 2) Berlin, Germany 4) India, Iran and Bangladesh 3) Madrid, Spain 5) None of these 4) Washington, D.C., United States (US) Answer – 3) India, Iran and Afghanistan 5) None of these Explanation: Answer – 1) Brussels, Belgium External Affairs Minister(EAM), Subrahmanyam Explanation: Jaishankar, who was on a 2-day (22-23 December 2019) The President of European Council Charles Michel visit to Iran, co-chaired the 19th Joint Commission invited Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to Meeting 2019 with his Iranian counterpart Javad Zarif in attend the 17th India-EU summit in early 2020. The Tehran, Iran.During the meet,2 sides agreed to speed up summit which will be held at Brussels, Belgium, is aimed the work on the strategic Chabahar project, which is at expanding strategic partnership with Europe. The being jointly developed by India, Iran and Afghanistan. summit will focus on areas such as Bilateral Trade and 60) Which country topped in the Knight Frank’s Investment Agreement (BTIA), Europol, counter- “Global House Price Index Q3 2019”? terrorism, Euroatom, climate change, etc. BTIA is a free 1) Czech Republic 2) Luxembourg trade agreement(FTA) between India and EU in the year 3) Croatia 4) Hungary launched in 2007. 69

5) None of these on an outline of its activities while the substantive work Answer – 4) Hungary on the new convention will begin in 2021. Explanation: 63) What is the operating budget allocated by On December 27, 2019 global property consultant United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) for Knight Frank released a report titled “Global House Price the year 2020? Index Q3 2019”. The report was about housing prices in a 1) $5.07 billion 2) $4.07 billion particular quarter of the financial year. As per the report, 3) $3.07 billion 4) $2.07 billion Hungary topped the list. The Global House Price Index 5) None of these Q3 2019 tracks the movement of residential prices across Answer – 3) $3.07 billion 56 countries and territories worldwide using official Explanation: statistics. The UNGA adopted $3.07 billion operating budget 61) What is the rank of India in the Knight for 2020. 2020 operating budget is slightly more when Frank’s “Global House Price Index Q3 2019” compared with the $2.9 billion budget for 2019. that tracks the movement of residential 64) United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has prices? allocated fund for the 1st time for which of the 1) 47th 2) 35th 3) 23rd 4) 51st following process in its 2020 budget? 5) None of these 1) Global Fund to Fight AIDS Answer – 1) 47th 2) Investigation of war crimes in Syria and Explanation: Myanmar On December 27, 2019 global property consultant 3) For Enhancing security of all of its member Knight Frank released a report titled “Global House Price states Index Q3 2019”. The report was about housing prices in a 4) Uniting for Peace particular quarter of the financial year. As per the report, 5) None of these India was ranked at 47th place out of 56 countries, while Answer – 2) Investigation of war crimes in Syria and Hungary topped the list. Myanmar Explanation: Rank Country The UNGA adopted $3.07 billion operating budget 47 India for 2020 and also for the very 1st time included funding 1 Hungary for the investigation of war crimes in Syria and Myanmar. 2020 operating budget is slightly more when 2 Luxembourg compared with the $2.9 billion budget for 2019. 3 Croatia 65) Which country has officially announced to drop its nickname ‘Holland’ recently? 62) Which country’s resolution on initiating 1) Turkey 2) Belgium drafting of new treaty to combat cyber-crime 3) Germany 4) The Netherlands was approved by United Nations General 5) None of these Assembly (UNGA)? Answer – 4) The Netherlands 1) Russia 2) China Explanation: 3) United States 4) India As a part of €200,000 tourism rebranding, the 5) None of these Netherlands has officially announced to drop the Answer – 1) Russia nickname ‘Holland’ from January 2020. Even the Explanation: Netherlands’ Board of Tourism and Conventions is also On December 29, 2019 the United Nations General scrapping its symbol featuring a tulip, the national Assembly (UNGA) has given its approval for a new flower, and the word “Holland” and replacing it with a Russian resolution which will draft a new international new logo that has an orange tulip and the initials “NL.” treaty to combat cyber-crime. The Russian draft The govt of Netherlands has instructed the companies, resolution was approved by the 193-member world body embassies, ministries and universities to refer the of UNGA by a vote of 79-60 with 33 abstentions (declining country as its official title ‘the Netherlands’. to vote). The committee will meet in August 2020 to agree 70 BANKING & FINANCE

1) Which bank has joined hands with Walmart 2) HDFC ERGO General Insurance company Ltd India to launch a co-branded credit card? 3) ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company 1) Axis Bank Limited 2) HDFC (Housing Development Finance 4) Aditya Birla Health Insurance Co. Limited Corporation) Bank (ABHICL) 3) ICICI Bank 5) None of these 4) State Bank of India Answer – 4) Aditya Birla Health Insurance Co. 5) None of these Limited (ABHICL) Answer – 2) HDFC (Housing Development Finance Explanation: Corporation) Bank On December 2, 2019, Aditya Birla Health Insurance Explanation: Co. Limited (ABHICL), a subsidiary of Aditya Birla On December 2, 2019, In a first, Walmart India, a Capital Ltd has partnered with MobiKwik, a fin-tech wholly owned subsidiary of Walmart Inc has joined hands platform to offer affordable health insurance plans to with HDFC (Housing Development Finance Corporation) mobile-first middle-class Indian consumers who have Bank to launch a co-branded credit card.The new previously never had access to insurance solutions. They co-branded credit card is available exclusively for have jointly launched the first product called “Cancer members of Best Price Modern Wholesale B2B (business Protect Cover” Plan as part of their contract. The users to business) cash & carry Stores, owned and operated by will benefit from this comprehensive protection plan as it Walmart India . In this, the facility of free credit will be applies to all diagnostic stages of cancer. available for up to 50 days without any interest. 4) How much percent of depositors of the Punjab 2) Name the organization, that has anchored an and Maharashtra Co-operative (PMC) Bank investment of $ 200 million in Mahindra & have been allowed to withdraw their entire Mahindra Financial Services Limited deposits even though the ceiling of Rs 50,000 (MMFSL)? on withdrawal continues? 1) International Finance Corporation (IFC) 1) 82 % 2) 80 % 3) 78 % 4) 75 % 2) World Bank (WB) 5) None of these 3) International Bank for Reconstruction and Answer – 3) 78 % Development (IBRD) Explanation: 4) Inter-American Development Bank On December 2, 2019, As per the Union Finance 5) None of these Minister (FM) Nirmala Sitharaman, nearly 78 % Answer – 1) International Finance Corporation depositors of the scam-hit Punjab and Maharashtra (IFC) Co-operative (PMC) Bank have been allowed to withdraw Explanation: their entire deposits even though the ceiling of Rs 50,000 on withdrawal continues. Also account holders are On December 2, 2019, The International Finance allowed to withdraw up to Rs 1 lakh in case of medical Corporation (IFC), a unit of the World Bank Group, has emergency, marriage and other serious situations. anchored an investment round of $ 200 million in Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services Limited 5) Which state has signed $206 million loan (MMFSL), a Rural NBFC (Non Banking Financial agreement with Asian Development Bank Company) with the objective to create a ‘pool’ specifically (ADB) to develop water supply, sewerage for financing micro, small and medium enterprises infrastructure in 5 cities? (MSMEs) in low income states. In a regulatory filing, IFC 1) West Bengal 2) Tamil Nadu has invested $ 75 million out of this in its account. The 3) Maharashtra 4) Assam remaining $ 125 million is being raised in parallel loans. 5) None of these At the same time, Mahindra Finance has committed to Answer – 2) Tamil Nadu invest $225 million in this fund. Explanation: 3) Which health insurance company has On December 2, 2019, Asian Development Bank partnered with MobiKwik to offer affordable (ADB), a regional development bank has signed $206 health insurance plans? million loan agreement with Government of India (GoI) to 1) Bharti Axa General Insurance develop water supply, sewerage infrastructure in 5 cities 71

(Ambur, Tiruchirappalli, Tiruppur, Madurai and Vellore) Bank Rate 5.40% of Tamil Nadu (TN) and also enhances capacities of urban Reserve Ratios local bodies (ULBs) for improved service delivery. It was the 2nd project loan for the ADB-assisted $500 million Cash reserve Ratio (CRR) 4% multi-tranche financing for TN Urban Flagship Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) (18.50% 18.75% Investment Program, granted in earlier September 2018, from October 12, 2019 It will again change that will develop climate-resilient water supply, on January 4, 2020) sewerage, and drainage infrastructure in at least 10 cities in Tamil Nadu. 8) What is the Gross Domestic Product (GDP)of 6) Which Grameen Bank has entered into an India for the year 2019-20 as per the 5th MoU with Canara HSBC OBC (Oriental Bank Bi-Monthly Monetary Policy Rates? of Commerce) Life Insurance Company Ltd 1) 5.5 % 2) 5.3 % 3) 5.1 % 4) 5 % for bancassurance? 5) None of these 1) Karnataka Vikas Grameen Bank (KVGB) Answer – 4) 5 % 2) Kerala Gramin Bank (KGB) Explanation: 3) Andhra Pragathi Grameena Bank (APGB) The Reserve Bank has sharply reduced the GDP 4) Pragathi Krishna Gramin Bank (PKGB) growth forecast for the current financial year –FY 20 (or 5) None of these 2019) to 5 % from the earlier estimate of 6.1 % due to Answer – 1) Karnataka Vikas Grameen Bank weak domestic and external demand. (KVGB) 9) Which firm has partnered with IDFC Explanation: (Infrastructure Development Finance On December 2, 2019, Karnataka Vikas Grameen Company) Bank and Yes Bank to offer Bank (KVGB), an Indian Regional Rural Bank(RRB), has FASTags to truck fleet owners free of cost? entered into an MoU (memorandum of understanding) 1) Lalamove 2) BlackBuck with Canara HSBC OBC ( Oriental Bank of Commerce) 3) Convoy 4) Next Trucking Life Insurance Company Ltd for bancassurance (selling 5) None of these of life assurance and other insurance products and Answer – 2) BlackBuck services by bank). Explanation: 7) What is the Repo Rate announced by Reserve On November 28, 2019, BlackBuck, India’s largest Bank of India (RBI) in the 5th Bi-Monthly online trucking platform. has partnered with leading Monetary Policy Rates for 2019-20? private sector lenders IDFC (Infrastructure Development 1) 5.35% 2) 5.25% 3) 5.15% 4) 5% Finance Company) Bank and Yes Bank to offer FASTags 5) None of these to truck fleet owners free of cost. With this partnership, Answer – 3) 5.15% truck owners can order FASTags on Blackbuck’s Boss Explanation: app. It will be given free at their doorstep till 31st The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced its 5th December 2019. Bi-Monthly Monetary Policy Rates for 2019-20 in 10) Which insurance company has launched Mumbai, Maharashtra. The three-day (December 3 – 5, “my:health Woman Suraksha policy”, a 2019) policy review meeting by the 6 members of comprehensive medical insurance scheme Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) was headed by RBI specially designed for women? Governor Shaktikanta Das with the members -Dr. 1) HDFC ERGO General Insurance Company Chetan Ghate, Dr. Pami Dua, Dr. Ravindra H. Dholakia, 2) ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company Dr. Michael Debabrata Patra, Shri Bibhu Prasad 3) Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company Kanungo. 4) IFFCO Tokio General Insurance Company Current rates: Limited 5) None of these Policy Rates under Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF) Answer – 1) HDFC ERGO General Insurance Repo Rate 5.15% Company Reverse Repo Rate 4.90% Explanation: On December 4, 2019, HDFC ERGO General Marginal standing facility (MSF) Rate 5.40% Insurance Company, India’s third-largest non-life 72 insurance provider in the private sector, has launched regulatory requirements. If the promoter of a payments “my:health Woman Suraksha policy”, a comprehensive bank desires to set up an SFB separately, both the banks medical insurance scheme specially designed for women. should come under the non-operative financial holding People aged 18–65 years are eligible for the policy & they company (NOFHC) structure. offered a sum insured ranging from Rs. 1 lakh to 1 14) What is the increased lending limits imposed crore.The policy is designed to provide financial support on peer-to-peer (P2P) lenders from Rs 10 lakh during medical emergencies and sicknesses in women’s by Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on 5th lives. The policy provides for a reduction in women’s December, 2019? fitness (physical and mental fitness) during the course of 1) Rs 15 lakh 2) Rs 25 lakh the renewal. 3) Rs 50 lakh 4) Rs 100 lakh 11) To which banks, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) 5) None of these has released the final guidelines on the facility Answer – 3) Rs 50 lakh to apply ‘on- tap’ for licenses? Explanation: 1) Small Finance Banks (SFBs) On December 5, 2019, India’s central Bank, the 2) Payment Banks Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has taken a big step to 3) Commercial Banks promote the peer-2-peer (P2P) sector by increasing the 4) Agricultural or Co-operative Banks total loan limit among such lenders by five times to Rs 50 5) None of these lakh. Right now the aggregate limit is 10 lakh rupees for Answer – 1) Small Finance Banks (SFBs) all borrowers and lenders on all P2P platforms. Apart Explanation: from this, a single borrower can only take up to a On December 5, 2019, India’s central Bank, the maximum of Rs 50,000 from a lender on all NBFC (Non Reserve Bank of India(RBI) has released the final Banking Financial Company)-P2P platforms. guidelines on the facility to apply ‘on- tap’ for licenses to 15) Which bank has signed a Memorandum of Small Finance Banks (SFBs). Understanding (MOU) with Investor 12) What is the minimum paid-up voting equity Education & Protection Fund Authority capital of Small Finance Banks (SFBs)? (IEPFA) to spread customer awareness and 1) Rs 500 crore 2) Rs 400 crore investor education? 3) Rs 200 crore 4) Rs 300 crore 1) Canara Bank 5) None of these 2) Punjab National Bank (PNB) Answer – 3) Rs 200 crore 3) State Bank of India (SBI) Explanation: 4) Bank of Baroda (BoB) Under the decree, the minimum paid-up voting 5) None of these equity capital has been doubled to Rs 200 crore from Rs Answer – 4) Bank of Baroda (BoB) 100 crore. The minimum required capital condition of Rs Explanation: 200 crore will not be applicable to the entities operating On December 5, 2019, Investor Education & from primary (urban) cooperative banks (UCBs), Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA) works under the non-banking financial company, micro financial Ministry of Corporate Affairs, has signed a Memorandum institution (MFIs), local regional bank/payment bank. of Understanding (MOU) with Bank of Baroda (BoB), However, UCBs transiting into SFBs will require of net Indian Multinational, public sector Bank to spread worth of Rs 100 crore, which will have to be increased to customer awareness and investor education and reaching Rs 200 crore within five years. out to investors and stakeholders. 13) After completion of how many years, payment 16) Which country’s Pension Plan Investment banks are eligible to become Small Finance Board (CPPIB) has agreed to invest up to $600 Banks (SFBs) if they meet the regulatory million in the National Investment and requirements? Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) of India through 1) 8 years 2) 5 years 3) 10 years 4) 7 years the NIIF Master Fund? 5) None of these 1) Iceland 2) Canada 3) Australia Answer – 2) 5 years 4) New Zealand 5) None of these Explanation: Answer – 2) Canada The payment banks which have completed 5 years of Explanation: operations, are eligible to become SFBs if they meet the 73

On December 5, 2019, CPP Investment Board, through which customers can get a instant officially the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board loan ranging from Rs 7,000 – Rs 1,00,000? (CPPIB) has agreed to invest up to $600 million in the 1) MiCredit 2) MiLoan National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) of 3) Mi Instant 4) XiLoan India through the NIIF Master Fund. CPPIB’s 5) None of these commitment includes a $150 million in the NIIF Master Answer – 1) MiCredit Fund and co-investment rights of upto $450 million in Explanation: future opportunities to invest alongside the NIIF Master On December 7, 2019, ZestMoney, an AI (Artificial Fund. Intelligence) -driven EMI(Equated Monthly Instalment) 17) Which transaction facility will be available financing platform based in Bengaluru, Karnataka, has 24×7 for customers from December 16, 2019 by partnered with Chinese smartphone company, Xiaomi, to Reserve Bank of India (RBI)? launch new loan service app called “MiCredit” in the 1) Electronic Clearing System (ECS) Indian market.Through this, customers can get a instant 2) Immediate Payment Service (IMPS) loan ranging from Rs 7,000 – Rs 1,00,000. 3) National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT) 20) To which country, India’s Exim bank (Export 4) Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) Import Bank of India) has provided $500 5) None of these million (Rs 3561 crore) Line of Credit (LoC) Answer – 3) National Electronic Funds Transfer for defence-related procurement? (NEFT) 1) Bhutan 2) Sri Lanka Explanation: 3) Nepal 4) Bangladesh On December 7, 2019, With a view to promote digital 5) None of these transactions, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has Answer – 4) Bangladesh allowed the round-the-clock (24×7) transactions facility Explanation: under the National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT) On December 6, 2019 India’s Exim bank (Export system to customers on all days including weekends and Import Bank of India) has provided $500 million (Rs 3561 holidays from December 16,2019. This direction was crore) Line of Credit(LoC) to Bangladesh for issued by RBI under Section 10(2) read with Section 18 of defence-related procurement in the neighbouring the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007 (Act 51 of country. The exim bank entered into an agreement with 2007). Bangladesh’s Armed Forces Division (AFD) in this regard 18) Name the company, which will no longer be on April 11, 2019. The agreement became effective from allowed to bilaterally buy assets from banks November 7, 2019 and the utilisation period of the loan is or financial institutions (FIs) that they count 10 years from the date of signing the agreement. among their sponsors? 21) Which entity has partnered with Union Bank 1) Companies Limited By Guarantee of India (UBI) for 20,000 Banking Business 2) Registered Or Incorporated Companies Correspondent (BC) point? 3) Statutory Companies 1) India Finserve 4) Asset reconstruction companies (ARCs) 2) Vakrangee Finserve Limited 5) None of these 3) Star Finserv India Ltd Answer – 4) Asset reconstruction companies (ARCs) 4) Swadhaar FinServe Private Limited Explanation: 5) None of these On December 6, 2019, India’s central Bank, the Answer – 2) Vakrangee Finserve Limited Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has tightened norms for Explanation: Asset reconstruction companies (ARCs) by barring them On December 9, 2019, Vakrangee Finserve Limited, to bilaterally buy assets from banks /financial a wholly owned subsidiary of Vakrangee Limited (VL) institutions (FIs) which is its sponsor, lender or has has partnered with Union Bank of India (UBI) , one of the subscribed to the fund raised by the ARC for its largest government-owned banks of India for 20,000 operations or an entity in the group to which the ARC Banking Business Correspondent (BC) point for Nextgen belongs. Vakrangee Kendra. 19) Name the new loan service app launched by 22) Which bank has partnered with Mastercard to Xiaomi in association with ZestMoney, provide an additional layer of security 74

function called ‘Mastercard Identity Check’ loan agreement worth of $277 million (about Rs 1,958 for digital transactions? crore) with KfW (formerly KfW-Kreditanstalt für 1) ICICI Bank 2) Canara Bank Wiederaufbau Bankengruppe),a German state-owned 3) State Bank of India (SBI) development bank for establishing an energy-efficient 4) Federal Bank housing programme in India. 5) None of these 25) To what kind of transaction, National Answer – 4) Federal Bank Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has set Explanation: up subsidiaries to elevate it to International On December 12, 2019, Mastercard, an American (Other) Countries? multinational financial services corporation has tied-up 1) Immediate Payment Service (IMPS) with Federal Bank, a Private Sector, scheduled 2) Unified Payment Interface (UPI) commercial bank, to provide an additional layer of 3) Real-time gross settlement (RTGS) security function called ‘Mastercard Identity Check’ for 4) National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT) digital transactions done by bank’s cardholders. The new 5) None of these layer of security will be provided by using latest Answer – 2) Unified Payment Interface (UPI) authentication standards of EMV 3-D Secure. Explanation: 23) Who will head the 10-member working group On December 16, 2019, According to the Reserve (WG) constituted by IRDAI (Insurance Bank of India(RBI) governor Shaktikanta Das, the Regulatory and Development Authority of National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI),an India) to recommend for loss prevention & umbrella organisation works under RBI for operating minimization in the general insurance retail payments, has set up a subsidiary to take the industry? Unified Payment Interface (UPI) model to other 1) Rajnish Kumar 2) T. L. Alamelu countries. 3) Ashok Kumar Gupta 26) Which bank has granted $250 million (about Rs 4) Subhash Chandra Khuntia 1,775 crore) loan to Energy Efficiency Services 5) None of these Limited (EESL) to improve energy efficiency Answer – 2) T. L. Alamelu investments in India? Explanation: 1) Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) On December 12, 2019, IRDAI (Insurance 2) New Development Bank (NDB) Regulatory and Development Authority of India), an 3) Asian Development Bank (ADB) autonomous body constituted to regulate and develop 4) World Bank (WB) insurance business in India, has constituted a 10-member 5) None of these working group (WG) headed by T. L. Alamelu to make Answer – 3) Asian Development Bank (ADB) recommendations for loss prevention & minimization in Explanation: the general insurance industry. It should submit its On December 16, 2019, In a bid to support report within 12 weeks. agricultural, residential and institutional consumers, 24) Which Public Sector Bank(PSB) of India has Asian Development Bank (ADB),an international signed a $277 million (about Rs 1,958 crore) a development finance institution & and the Government loan agreement with KfW (formerly of India (GoI) have inked a $250 million (about Rs 1,775 KfW-Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau crore) loan to Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) Bankengruppe) for establishing an to expand energy efficiency investments in India by way energy-efficient housing programme in India? of identifying new business opportunities, a gender action 1) Bank of Baroda (BoB) plan, mobilising private sector participation in energy 2) Canara Bank efficiency services,etc. ADB will also grant $46 million 3) Indian Bank (Rs 327 crore) from its Clean Technology Fund (CTF) & 4) State Bank of India (SBI) for the implementation of the project, a technical 5) None of these assistance (TA) of $2 million will be provided to EESL, a Answer – 4) State Bank of India (SBI) public sector energy service company. Explanation: 27) By how much percent, complaints received in On December 16, 2019, State Bank of India (SBI), an Banking Ombudsman (BO) increased for the Indian multinational, public sector bank has signed a 75

year 2018-19 from the previous year (2017-18) hassle-free payments. The partnership also aims to offer according to Reserve Bank of India (RBI)? rewards and benefits for its customers. 1) 19.25% 2) 19.75% 3) 19.55% 4) 19.50% 30) Which bank along with UCO Bank has signed 5) None of these an MoU with to provide a paperless, cashless, Answer – 2) 19.75% and transparent payment system on its Explanation: portal? On December 17, 2019, According to the annual 1) Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) Report of Ombudsman Schemes for 2018-19,released by 2) Union Bank of India (UBI) Reserve Bank of India(RBI),the volume of complaints 3) Bank of India (BoI) received by its 21 Offices of Banking Ombudsman (OBOs) 4) Bank of Maharashtra (BoM) has increased to 1,95,901 complaints in 2018-19 (Fiscal 5) None of these year-FY 19), up by 19.75% (or 32,311 complaints) from Answer – 4) Bank of Maharashtra (BoM) the previous year (2017-18), that accounted 1,63,590. Explanation: 28) Name the bank that has agreed to provide On December 18, 2019, Government e-Marketplace $100 million to India’s National Investment (GeM), a one stop portal to facilitate online procurement and Infrastructure Fund’s (NIIF) that aims to of common use Goods & Services required by various raise about $1 billion to invest in up to 10 government departments, has signed MoU private equity funds? (Memorandum of understanding) with Bank of 1) New Development Bank (NDB) Maharashtra (BoM) & UCO Bank (formerly United 2) Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) Commercial Bank) to provide a paperless, cashless, and 3) Asian Development Bank (ADB) transparent payment system on its portal. 4) World Bank (WB) 31) Which bank has inked a $490 million loan 5) None of these agreement with Government of India (GoI) for Answer – 1) New Development Bank (NDB) upgrade about 1,600 km of Madhya Explanation: Pradesh(MP)? On December 15, 2019, New Development Bank 1) Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) (NDB), formerly referred to as the BRICS Development 2) Asian Development Bank (ADB) Bank, has agreed to provide $100 million to India’s 3) World Bank (WB) National Investment and Infrastructure Fund’s (NIIF) 4) New Development Bank (NDB) Fund of Funds(FoF), that aims to raise about $1 billion to 5) None of these invest in up to 10 private equity funds managed by fund Answer – 2) Asian Development Bank (ADB) managers in India. Explanation: 29) Which organization has partnered with Axis On December 20, 2019, Asian Development Bank Bank for launching co-branded credit cards? (ADB), an international development finance institution 1) NTPC Limited has inked a $490 million loan agreement with 2) Hindustan Petroleum Government of India (GoI) for upgrade about 1,600 km of 3) Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) Madhya Pradesh(MP) state highways (750km) & major 4) Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) district roads- MDRs (850km) from single-lane to 5) None of these two-lane widths in the state. This project will be a Answer – 4) Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) public-private partnership (PPP) through the Explanation: hybrid-annuity model (HAM), for this, an additional $286 million investment will be mobilized by the state. On December 17, 2019 Axis Bank and Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) has entered into a partnership to 32) What is the worth of the bonds that Reserve launch co-branded credit cards. The card will be useful for Bank of India (RBI) is set to buy under the customers preferring cashless and hassle-free payments. Open Market Operations (OMO) mechanism The partnership also aims to offer rewards and benefits alike to “Operation Twist” of United States of for its customers. On December 17, 2019 Axis Bank and America (USA)? Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) has entered into a 1) Rs 10,000 crore 2) Rs 7,000 crore partnership to launch co-branded credit cards. The card 3) Rs 15,000 crore 4) Rs 12,000 crore will be useful for customers preferring cashless and 5) None of these Answer – 1) Rs 10,000 crore 76

Explanation: 250-megawatt (MW) solar power project in Jodhpur, On December 20, 2019, India’s central bank, the Rajasthan. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has decided to conduct 35) Lender has to produce a certificate to simultaneous sale and purchase of government bonds peer-to-peer lending (P2P) platforms from a under the Open Market Operations (OMO) mechanism, a practising Chartered Accountant certifying concept similar to “Operation Twist” that was last minimum net-worth of Rs 50 lakh for investing adopted by the US (United States) Federal Reserve in more than ______lakh? 2013. So, the RBI will buy bonds worth Rs 10,000 crore of 1) 20 Lakh 2) 10 Lakh 6.45% maturing in the year 2029 and issuing bonds worth 3) 25 Lakh 4) 30 Lakh Rs 10,000 crore maturing in the year 2020. 5) None of these 33) Which bank has signed an Memorandum of Answer – 2) 10 Lakh Understanding (MoU) with the Gujarat state Explanation: government to provide loans to Micro, Small On December 23, 2019, In a bid to protect the and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sector? interest of consumers, India’s Central Bank, the Reserve 1) HDFC Bank 2) Canara Bank Bank of India (RBI) has set a ?50-lakh limit on the 3) Bank of Baroda (BoB) aggregate lending to all borrowers across all 4) State Bank of India (SBI) Non-Banking Financial Company – Peer to Peer 5) None of these (NBFC-P2P) lending platforms at a time determined. Answer – 3) Bank of Baroda (BoB) Further, lender investing over Rs 10 lakh across P2P Explanation: platforms should get a practising chartered accountant On December 20, 2019, In order to facilitate the flow (CA) certify a minimum net-worth of Rs 50 lakh. of credit in the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises 36) PPI was in news recently, what does ‘I’ stands (MSMEs) sector, Bank of Baroda (BoB), an Indian for ______? Multinational, public sector Bank, has signed a 1) Instrument 2) Interest Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Gujarat 3) Index 4) Investment government. As per the agreement, the credit will be 5) None of these provided to the MSME for greenfield projects, startups, Answer – 1) Instrument women entrepreneurs and entrepreneurs from backward Explanation: areas under the Gujarat Single Window Clearance Act I stands for Instrument.The full form of PPI is 2017 & Ordinance Number 1 of 2019 dated October 24, Prepaid Payment Instrument (PPI). 2019. 37) Name the bank, that has partnered with Pine 34) Name the bank that will grant a loan worth of Labs to enable debit card facility for their $210 million for irrigation ($145-mn) & solar debit cardholders across point-of-sale energy projects($65-mn) in India? terminals by Pine Labs? 1) New Development Bank (NDB) 1) Canara Bank 2) World Bank (WB) 2) Kotak Mahindra Bank 3) Asian Development Bank (ADB) 3) HDFC Bank 4) Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) 4) State Bank of India 5) None of these 5) None of these Answer – 4) Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank Answer – 2) Kotak Mahindra Bank (AIIB) Explanation: Explanation: On December 24, 2019, Kotak Mahindra Bank has On December 20, 2019, Asian Infrastructure tied up with Pine Labs to enable debit card facility for Investment Bank (AIIB), a multilateral financial their debit cardholders across point-of-sale terminals by institution, has decided to grant a loan worth of $210 Pine Labs. Its aim is to provide affordable, flexible and million for irrigation ($145-mn) & solar energy easy EMI options on a range of products so that bank’s projects($65-mn) in India. Under this loan, $145-million customers can break their high-value purchases into will be given to improve irrigation service delivery and affordable installments at no extra cost. strengthen flood risk management in West Bengal (WB). While, the remaining $65-million has been given for 38) What is the transaction limit for goods and services made through the newly launched 77

semi-closed Prepaid Payment Instrument Answer – 3) False claims of environmental (PPI)? compliance 1) Rs. 20000 2) Rs. 15000 Explanation: 3) Rs. 10000 4) Rs. 25000 As per the report, the green finance development 5) None of these faces many challenges, such as “greenwashing” /false Answer – 3) Rs. 10000 claims of environmental compliance, plurality of green Explanation: loan definitions, and mismatches of maturity between On December 24, 2019, In order to boost small value long-term green investment & relatively short-term digital transactions, the apex bank Reserve Bank of India interests of investors. So the report stressed to establish (RBI), has launched semi-closed prepaid payment Policy action to promote green finance sector in India by instrument (PPI) for transaction of goods and services up raising awareness through coordinated efforts. to a limit of Rs 10,000. This direction has made under 42) Which bank has joined hands with Section 18 read with Section 10(2) of Payment and Magicbricks for listing and e-auctioning of Settlement Systems Act, 2007. These PPIs will enhance immovable properties repossessed by bank the digitization of daily payments at local shops and through recovery proceedings? retail outlets for the purchase of daily household goods 1) Federal Bank 2) HDFC Bank and services. 3) ICICI Bank 4) Canara Bank 39) How much percent of gross NPA 5) None of these (non-performing assets) are there in the Answer – 1) Federal Bank Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) as on Explanation: March 2019? Federal Bank has joined hands with online real 1) 10.1 % 2) 9.1 % 3) 9.5 % 4) 10.3 % estate platform Magicbricks for listing and e-auctioning 5) None of these of immovable properties repossessed by bank through Answer – 2) 9.1 % recovery proceedings. The reason behind this partnership Explanation: is the speedy recovery of impaired assets of the bank as With the RBI tightening the recognition of stranded the portal offered by Magicbricks provides a wide and debt, the process is nearing completion & at the same direct reach among prospective buyers across various time the gross NPA (non-performing assets) of the locations. It also helps the customers in getting the best Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) improved to 9.1% rate in the market for their properties. in March 2019 from 11.2% in March 2018. 43) Name the bank which was appointed as the 40) By how much percent the Bank fraud stood in lead banking convenor by Reserve Bank of the year 2018-19 as per the RBI report ‘Trend India (RBI) for the newly formed Union and Progress of Banking in India 2018-19”? Territory Ladakh? 1) 82% 2) 45% 3) 65% 4) 74% 1) Indian Bank 2) Union Bank of India 5) None of these 3) Canara Bank Answer – 4) 74% 4) State Bank of India (SBI) Explanation: 5) None of these During the financial year (FY) 2017-18, there were Answer – 4) State Bank of India (SBI) 5916 cases were registered, out of which forgery accounts Explanation: up to Rs 41,167.04 crore. It grew by 74% to reach 6801 On December 26, 2019 the Reserve Bank of cases of bank fraud in India worth of Rs 71,543 crore in India(RBI) has appointed Jammu & Kashmir Bank (J&K 2018-19. Bank) as the UTLBC (Union Territory Lead Bank 41) The term “Greenwashing” was in news Convenor) of the newly formed Union Territory(UT) of recently, what does it mean? Jammu & Kashmir(J&K). Similarly, the State Bank of 1) Product manufactured with environmental India (SBI) will be the lead banking convenor of the UT concerns Ladakh. 2) Environment Friendly Product 44) Which bank has launched ‘KBL Xpress SB 3) False claims of environmental compliance Accounts’, a digitized version of opening 4) Claims of environmental compliance Savings Bank (SB) account throughTAB (tablet) Banking facility on the spot? 5) None of these 1) Karnataka Bank 2) State Bank of India 78

3) Canara Bank 4) Karur Vysya Bank Repository of Information on Large Credits 5) None of these (CRILC), maintained by RBI? Answer – 1) Karnataka Bank 1) Rs 5 crore 2) Rs 7 crore Explanation: 3) Rs 3 crore 4) Rs 10 crore On December 25,2019, An ‘A’ Class Scheduled 5) None of these Commercial Bank, Karnataka Bank has launched ‘KBL Answer – 1) Rs 5 crore Xpress SB Accounts’, a digitized version for opening Explanation: Savings Bank (SB) account through TAB (tablet) On December 28, 2019, In a bid to find out early Banking facility on the spot. Using the TAB banking recognition of financial crisis, India’s central bank, the account opening process, the Bank has offered its valued Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has asked all primary urban customers the facility of opening accounts at their door cooperative banks (UCBs) to report all exposures step. (including all fund-based and non-fund-based exposure 45) Through which application, people can now on the borrower) of Rs 5 crore and above to the Central recharge their National Electronic Toll Repository of Information on Large Credits (CRILC), Collection (NETC) FASTags? maintained by RBI. 1) SBI Pay UPI (Unified Payments Interface) 48) SMA was in news recently, what does ‘S’ stands 2) BHIM UPI (Bharat Interface for Money- Unified for? Payments Interface) 1) S - Subsidy 2) S - Securities 3) Google Tez UPI (Unified Payments Interface) 3) S - Security 4) S - Special 4) MobiKwik UPI (Unified Payments Interface) 5) None of these 5) None of these Answer – 4) S - Special Answer – 2) BHIM UPI (Bharat Interface for Money- Explanation: Unified Payments Interface) S stands for Special in SMA. The full form of SMA is Explanation: Special Mention Accounts. On December 26, 2019, the National Payments 49) What is the estimated Gross Non-Performing Corporation of India (NPCI) has announced a new Assets (GNPA) ratio of all Scheduled recharge option for National Electronic Toll Collection Commercial Banks (SCBs) for September 2020 (NETC) FASTags through BHIM UPI (Bharat Interface as per Reserve Bank of India(RBI)’s 20th issue for Money- Unified Payments Interface). Accordingly, of the Financial Stability Report (FSR) 2019? any BHIM UPI enabled mobile app users can recharge 1) 9.3 % 2) 9.9 % 3) 9.5 % 4) 9.7 % their FASTags which would ease the traffic at toll plazas. 5) None of these 46) Name the bank that has entered into the Answer – 2) 9.9 % memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Explanation: Ashok Leyland (ALL) for vehicle loans for a On December 27, 2019, According to the 20th issue of period of 2 years? the Financial Stability Report (FSR) 2019 released by 1) HDFC Bank 2) ICICI Bank Reserve Bank of India(RBI), the gross non-performing 3) Yes Bank 4) Axis Bank assets (GNPA) ratio of all scheduled commercial banks 5) None of these (SCBs) can increase from 9.3 % in September 2019 to 9.9 Answer – 3) Yes Bank % in September 2020 due to changes in macroeconomic Explanation: conditions, modest growth in new NPAs and the impact of On December 24, 2019, Ashok Leyland (ALL), an declining credit growth rate. The GNPA ratio of SCB’s Indian automobile company has entered into the was 9.3 % between March and September 2019. GNPA memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Yes Bank, an ratio of public sector banks (PSBs) will increase from 12.7 Indian private sector bank (PVB) for vehicle loans for a % in September 2019 to 13.2 % in September 2020 and the period of 2 years. The partnership will enable both GNPA ratio of private banks (PVBs) from 3.9 % to reach partners to provide customised financial solution to their 4.2 %. The GNPAs of foreign banks can also rise to 3.1 % customers across India with focus on pan-India outreach. from 2.9 %. 47) What is the maximum exposure limit of all 50) Which bank is set to launch the OTP (one- primary urban cooperative banks (UCBs), time-password ) based ATM (Automated Teller after which they have to report to the Central Machine) withdrawal of above Rs 10,000 during 8 PM to 8 AM from January 2020? 79

1) Canara Bank 2) HDFC Bank 53) As per the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI)’s, 3) State Bank of India (SBI) 20th issue of the Financial Stability Report, 4) ICICI Bank India’s financial system is forecasted as 5) None of these ______? Answer – 3) State Bank of India (SBI) 1) AAA+ 2) Negative Explanation: 3) Stable 4) BBB- On December 27, 2019, State Bank of India (SBI), an 5) None of these Indian multinational, public sector bank, has taken a big Answer – 3) Stable step to curb bank fraud and provide secure banking to its Explanation: customers by launching new OTP (one-time-password ) On December 27, 2019, According to the 20th edition based ATM (Automated Teller Machine) withdrawal of of the Financial Stability Report (FSR) 2019 released by above Rs 10,000 during 8 PM to 8 AM. The new system Reserve Bank of India(RBI), India’s financial system will be implemented across the country from 1 January remains stable despite the recession (a period of 2020. temporary economic decline). After the capital market 51) Name the online auction platform, launched regulator SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) by Union Finance Minister(FM) Smt. Nirmala imposed a fine of Rs 25 lakh each on the major Credit Sitharaman to increase transparency in rating agencies (CRA) -CARE and ICRA, the RBI has also auctioning of assets? taken a dig at these agencies by strongly criticizing them 1) eBkray - 2) eAuction for allowing low-rated companies to do “rating shopping” 3) eAucTrans 4) eTransparent (where rating agencies giving good ratings to companies with poor ratings within 3 months). 5) None of these Answer – 1) eBkray 54) Which bank has signed a Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) with social enterprise Explanation: Selco Solar Light Pvt Ltd, for solar lighting On December 28, 2019 the Union Finance and livelihood solutions? Minister(FM) Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman launched an 1) Andhra Pragathi Grameena Bank (APGB) online auction platform named “eBkray” in New Delhi inorder to increase transparency in auctioning of assets 2) Karnataka Vikas Grameen Bank (KVGB) attached by banks. e-Bkray platform is linked with the 3) Pragathi Krishna Gramin Bank (PKGB) Indian Banks Auctions Mortgaged Properties 4) Kerala Gramin Bank (KGB) Information (IBAPI) portal. 5) None of these 52) Which of the following rate will not be Answer – 2) Karnataka Vikas Grameen Bank applicable on transactions/ payments done (KVGB) via RuPay and UPI (Unified Payments Explanation: Interface) platforms from January 2020? On December 30, 2019 the Karnataka Vikas 1) Statutory Liquidity Rate (SLR) Grameen Bank (KVGB) which is a regional rural bank 2) Service Rate (SR) (RRB) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding 3) Bank Rate (BR) (MoU) with social enterprise Selco Solar Light Pvt Ltd, 4) Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) for solar lighting and livelihood solutions. Under this MoU, finance livelihood solutions which are backed by 5) None of these solar power will be provided by the bank. This is done to Answer – 4) Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) improve the quality of life of micro and small Explanation: entrepreneurs, economically weaker sections(EWS), In order to promote digital payments the FM sustainable agriculture and for women’s empowerment. announced that no MDR (merchant discount rate) 55) What is the exposure limit of single borrower charges will be applicable on transactions/ payments in Primary (urban) cooperative banks done via RuPay and UPI (Unified Payments Interface) (UCBs)? platforms beginning January 1, 2020. Accordingly, all 1) 10% 2) 20% 3) 25% 4) 15% companies with a turnover of Rs 50 crore or more will be mandated by Department of Revenue (DoR) to provide 5) None of these the facility of payment through RuPay Debit card and Answer – 1) 10% UPI QR code to their customers. Explanation: 80

RBI has decided to restrict Primary (urban) off-balance sheet exposure from 40%. The norms will be cooperative banks (UCBs) exposure to a single borrower applicable from 31 March 2023. & a group of connected borrowers at 10% and 25%, 57) Which e-commerce payment system has respectively, of their tier-I capital, which comprises partnered with HDFC Life Insurance to shareholders’ equity and retained earnings. Still now, the purchase insurance products from HDFC Life? limits are 15% and 40%, respectively. In addition, UCBs 1) PayPal 2) Paytm are mandated to bring down their excess current 3) FreeCharge 4) PhonePe exposures to the above said stipulated scale by March 31, 5) None of these 2023. Answer – 2) Paytm What is the new overall priority sector lending 56) Explanation: (PSL) target set by Reserve Bank of India On December 28, 2019, HDFC Life Insurance, a (RBI) for Primary (urban) cooperative banks long-term life insurance provider has entered into the (UCBs) from earlier 40 %? partnership with Paytm, an Indian e-commerce payment 1) 65% 2) 50% 3) 80% 4) 75% system to allow the latter’s 450 million registered 5) None of these customers to purchase insurance products from HDFC Answer – 4) 75% Life.Through this partnership, HDFC Life will deepen Explanation: the penetration of its product offers and enable more The reserve bank has also hiked the priority sector customers to access their risk solutions anytime, lending (PSL) target for UCBs to 75% of adjusted net anywhere. bank credit (ANBC) /credit-equivalent amount of

ECONOMY & BUSINESS

1) What was the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) On November 29, 2019 the UK India Business of India for the financial year (FY20) as per the Council (UKIBC) announced the establishment of CRISIL (formerly Credit Rating Information Aerospace and Defence Industry Group in order to boost Services of India Limited)? bilateral cooperation in the field of aerospace and defence 1) 5.1 % 2) 5.3 % 3) 5.5 % 4) 5.7 % between both the nations. It will advance India’s defence 5) None of these acquisition process and also foster long-term technology Answer – 1) 5.1 % and hardware transfers. In 2019, a Memorandum of Explanation: Understanding(MoU) was signed on ‘defence technology industrial capability cooperation’ by UK (United On December 2, 2019, CRISIL (formerly Credit Kingdom) and India to enhance defence cooperation. Rating Information Services of India Limited), a global analytical company providing ratings, and risk and policy 3) Which entity has partnered with Thailand advisory services has lowered its estimate of India’s gross Tourism Authority (TAT) to tap more tourists domestic product (GDP) growth rate to 5.1 % for the from India & enable digital payments? current financial year –FY20 (or 2019) from an earlier 1) Mastercard 2) Credicard estimate of 6.3 %. Growth in the second half of 2019-20 3) Visa Inc 4) PayPal will go up to 5.5%, up from 4.75% in the first half. 5) None of these 2) Which organization has announced the Answer – 1) Mastercard establishment of Aerospace and Defence Explanation: Industry Group in order to boost bilateral On December 5, 2019, Mastercard, an American cooperation in the field of aerospace and multinational financial services corporation has defence between both the nations? partnered with Thailand Tourism Authority (TAT) to tap 1) Russia India Business Council (RUSIBC) more tourists from India & enable digital payments for a 2) Canada India Business Council (CANIBC) more experiential visit for them. As per Mastercard data, 3) UK India Business Council (UKIBC) 20 % increase in the amount of spends done by Indians via 4) US India Business Council (USIBC) cashless transactions in Thailand & TAT witnessed a 5) None of these growth of nearly 25 % in arrivals from India, taking the total to 1.60 million in 2018-19. Airports of Mumbai & Answer – 3) UK India Business Council (UKIBC) Explanation: 81

Delhi account for more than 50 % of departures to leading stock exchange of India has launched interest Thailand. rate options (financial derivative contracts whose values 4) Indian foreign exchange (forex) reserve are based on an underlying interest rate) on 10-year crossed how much billion for the first time? Government bonds. These interest rate options are based 1) $550 billion 2) $450 billion on 10-year government bonds maturing in the year 2029 3) $350 billion 4) $250 billion with coupon rate of 7.26 % and 6.45 %. 5) None of these 7) What is the GDP (Gross Domestic Product) Answer – 2) $450 billion growth of India for the current financial Explanation: year-FY 20 as per Asian Development Bank (ADB)? On December 6, 2019 the Indian foreign exchange 1) 5.5% 2) 5.7% 3) 5.1% 4) 5.3% (forex) reserve for the first time crossed $450-billion mark. This was mainly due to strong inflows which 5) None of these enabled the central bank to buy dollars from the market. Answer – 3) 5.1% The forex reserves were at $451.7billion on December 3, Explanation: 2019, which is an increase of $38.8 billion compared to On December 11, 2019, Asian Development Bank that of March 2019. (ADB), an international development finance institution 5) Which organization has signed a has lowered India’s GDP (Gross Domestic Product) memorandum of understanding (MoU) with growth forecast to 5.1% for the current financial year-FY Saudi Aramco (Asia) for the development of 20(or 2019) due to consumption has been affected due to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises slowing employment growth and delayed harvesting. (MSME) sector in India in Oil & Gas Sector? 8) Which firm has partnered with AGNIi 1) Bharat Petroleum (BP) (Accelerated Growth of New India’s 2) National Small Industries Corporation Limited Innovations) to support the development of (NSIC) sustainable innovations and technologies 3) National Cooperative Development Corporation across industries? (NCDC) 1) DuPont de Nemours, Inc 4) Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) 2) Siemens 5) None of these 3) Syngenta Answer – 2) National Small Industries Corporation 4) Clariant Limited (NSIC) 5) None of these Explanation: Answer – 1) DuPont de Nemours, Inc On December 9, 2019, National Small Industries Explanation: Corporation Limited (NSIC ), a Mini Ratna PSU (public On December 10, 2019, DuPont de Nemours,Inc sector undertaking ) works under the Ministry of MSME, (commonly known as DuPont), an American company has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with with technology-based materials, ingredients and Saudi Aramco (Asia), a Saudi Arabian national solutions has partnered with AGNIi (Accelerated Growth petroleum and natural gas company for the development of New India’s Innovations), an initiative of the office of of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of in India in Oil & Gas Sector. India (GoI), executed by Invest India (the national 6) What is the maturity period of the investment promotion and facilitation agency of India), to government bonds, for which National Stock support the development of sustainable innovations and Exchange (NSE) has launched interest rate technologies across industries. options maturing in the year 2029 with 9) What is the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of coupon rate of 7.26 % and 6.45 %? India for the year 2019 by Moody’s Investors 1) 3 year 2) 7 year 3) 5 year 4) 10 year Service report, “Global Macro Outlook 5) None of these 2020-21”? Answer – 4) 10 year 1) 5.1 % 2) 5.2 % 3) 5.6 % 4) 5.5 % Explanation: 5) None of these On December 9, 2019, With the aim to provide Answer – 3) 5.6 % institutional investors ability to manage risk through a Explanation: non-linear product, National Stock Exchange (NSE), the 82

On December 13, 2019, Moody’s Investors Service, Answer – 3) Canada an American credit rating agency in its Global Macro Explanation: Outlook 2020-21, has lowered India’s GDP (Gross On December 18, 2019, CPPIB (Canada Pension Domestic Product) growth forecast for 2019 to 5.6 % , Plan Investment Board)Credit Investments, a wholly which is less than 7.4 % in 2018 .It cuts the forecast due to owned subsidiary of CPPIB, has agreed to invest $225 the slow growth rate of employment is impacting million in the India Resurgence Fund platform (IndiaRF), consumption. It also expects that the growth rate will a distressed assets buyout platform set up by Piramal improve after that and it can be 6.6 % and 6.7 % in 2020 Enterprises Ltd and Bain Capital Credit. and 2021 respectively. 13) What is the GDP (Gross Domestic Product) 10) Which country has recently became the 6th growth of India for the Fiscal Year 2019-20 biggest oil supplier to India surpassing (FY20) according to Moody’s? Kuwait? 1) 4.5% 2) 4.9% 3) 5.2% 4) 5.5% 1) United States (US) 2) Nigeria 5) None of these 3) Venezuela Answer – 2) 4.9% 4) United Arab Emirates (UAE) Explanation: 5) None of these On December 16, 2019 American business, financial Answer – 1) United States (US) company & rating agency Moody’s has downgraded Explanation: India’s FY20 (Fiscal Year 2019-20) GDP (Gross Domestic On December 11, 2019 according to the data Product) growth projection to 4.9% from its earlier furnished by the oil ministry to parliamentary estimate of 5.8%. The revision in the growth projection committee, the United States (US) has surpassed Kuwait was due to weak household consumption. to become India’s 6th largest oil supplier. It supplied 70% 14) Which e-commerce payment company, has more crude to India, the world’s third largest energy crossed 5 billion transactions on its app on consumer during April-September 2019. It supplied 5.4 December 13, 2019? million tonnes of crude oil during the first six months of 1) PhonePe 2) MobiKwik 2019-20. While US stands 6th, Iraq continues to be the 3) Paytm 4) FreeCharge top crude oil supplier to India. 5) None of these 11) Name the India’s 1st Corporate Bond ETF Answer – 1) PhonePe (Exchange Trade Fund) launched by Explanation: Edelweiss Asset Management Company On December 13, 2019, PhonePe Private Limited (AMC)? (PhonePe), an Indian e-commerce payment system and 1) Bharat Bond ETF 2) Edelweiss Bond ETF digital wallet company, has crossed 5 billion transactions 3) India Bond ETF 4) Private Bond ETF on its app. In November 2018, PhonePe had touched the 5) None of these milestone of a billion transactions and achieved 5 times Answer – 1) Bharat Bond ETF more unprecedented success in a year. It has over 175 Explanation: million registered users in India. On December 12, 2019, Edelweiss Asset 15) Name the financial services platform, that was Management Company (AMC), a subsidiary of Edelweiss launched by Realme recently? Capital Limited (ECL) has launched the India’s 1st 1) Realme Emprise 2) Realme Bankrate Corporate Bond ETF (exchange trade fund) called the 3) Realme Paysa 4) Realme Extenda Bharat Bond ETF. This bond will invest only in bonds 5) None of these rated AAA bonds of Public Sector companies. Edelweiss Answer – 3) Realme Paysa aims to raise an initial amount of Rs 3,000 crore through Explanation: this bond from institutional players. On 17 December 2019, Smartphone manufacturer 12) Which country’s Pension Plan Investment Realme launched its new financial services platform Board, Credit Investments has agreed to named ‘Realme Paysa’. The platform will provide certain invest $225 million in the India Resurgence products like loans, mutual funds and credit score reports Fund platform (IndiaRF)? to consumers. The beta version of the app which is 1) United States 2) France currently being used will offer digital personal loans of up 3) Canada 4) Russia to Rs 1 lakh and SME (Small and Medium Enterprise) 5) None of these loans upto Rs 5 lakhs. 83

16) What is the GDP (Gross Domestic Product) ($114.60 billion). However, it closed below the $100 growth of India for fiscal year-FY20 (2019) by billion mark at roughly $99.5 billion. Fitch Ratings Inc.? 19) Which country’s Financial Services Authority 1) 5.5 % 2) 5.2 % 3) 4.8 % 4) 4.6 % (FSA) has signed a memorandum of 5) None of these understanding (MoU) with Securities and Answer – 4) 4.6 % Exchange Board of India (SEBI) for mutual Explanation: cooperation and technical assistance On December 20, 2019, Fitch Ratings Inc., an recently? American credit rating agency has lowered the India’s 1) Financial Services Authority (MFSA) GDP (Gross Domestic Product) growth forecast for fiscal 2) Uzbekistan Financial Services Authority (UFSA) year-FY20 (or 2019) to 4.6 % from the earlier estimate of 3) Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA) 5.6%. Fitch made this deduction due to declining trade 4) Financial Services Authority (KFSA) &consumer confidence. Also it has placed India’s 5) None of these Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating Answer – 3) Astana Financial Services Authority (IDR) at ‘BBB-‘with a Stable Outlook. (AFSA) 17) Who is the chair of the advisory committee on Explanation: Investor Protection and Education Fund On December 23, 2019, Securities and Exchange (IPEF) formed by Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), the Regulator for the Securities Board of India (SEBI)? market in India owned by Government of India(GoI), has 1) Abraham Koshy 2) N.S. Vishwanathan entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) 3) Atanu Chakraborty 4) V. Ravi Anshuman with the Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA), a 5) None of these financial hub in Kazakhstan, for mutual cooperation and Answer – 1) Abraham Koshy technical assistance. Explanation: 20) What is the growth rate (GDP) of India for the On December 18, 2019, Securities and Exchange FY20 forecasted by International Monetary Board of India (SEBI), a Regulator for the Securities Fund (IMF) on December 24, 2019? market in India owned by Government, has made 1) 6.1% 2) 6.3% 3) 6.5% 4) 6.7% extensive changes to the 8-member advisory committee 5) None of these on Investor Protection and Education Fund (IPEF), Answer – 1) 6.1% advising on issues related to investor education and Explanation: protection activities. The chairman of this committee is On December 24, 2019, the International Monetary former Professor, Abraham Koshy of IIM (Indian Fund (IMF) in its Article IV consultation report on India Institutes of Management) Ahmedabad, Gujarat. has retained India’s economic growth forecast at 6.1% for 18) Which entity becomes 3rd Indian company to FY20. The report was released in Washington, United cross m- cap of $ 100 billion on December 19, States (US). The forecast is much higher than by most 2019? agencies. For example, the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) 1) Bank of India (BoI) latest projection pegged the growth at 5%, Standard & 2) Punjab National Bank (PNB) Poor’s at 5.1%, Moody’s at 4.9% and Fitch’ at 4.6% for the 3) Housing Development Finance Corporation current financial year. (HDFC) Bank 21) Name the organization that has released its 4) State Bank of India (SBI) 11th annual report titled ‘World Economic 5) None of these League Table 2020' (WELT 2020)? Answer – 3) Housing Development Finance 1) Institute of Economical Research (IER) Corporation (HDFC) Bank 2) National Research Institute (NRI) Explanation: 3) National Economics and Business Research On December 19, 2019, India’s leading private sector (NEBR) bank, HDFC (Housing Development Finance 4) Centre for Economics and Business Research Corporation) Bank Ltd, has become the 3rd company to (CEBR) cross market capitalization (m-cap) of $ 100 billion (over 5) None of these Rs 7 lakh crore) after Reliance Industries Ltd- RIL Answer – 4) Centre for Economics and Business ($140.74 billion) & Tata Consultancy Services – TCS Research (CEBR) 84

Explanation: 3) Russia 4) China On December 26, 2019 United Kingdom(UK)-based 5) None of these Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) Answer – 1) India released its 11th annual report titled ‘World Economic Explanation: League Table 2020' (WELT 2020). On December 26, 2019 United Kingdom(UK)-based 22) Which country is expected to overtake Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) Germany as the fourth-largest economy in the released its 11th annual report titled ‘World Economic world by 2026 as per the Centre for Economics League Table 2020'(WELT 2020). According to the report, and Business Research (CEBR)’s 11th annual India is expected to overtake Germany as the report titled ‘World Economic League Table fourth-largest economy in the world by 2026. It also 2020' (WELT 2020)? estimated that India will overtake Japan as the 1) India 2) United States third-largest economy by 2034. AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

1) Who won the prestigious 12th ‘Shakti Bhatt 3) Name the American actor, who was conferred First Book Prize 2019’ for his 2018 book, ‘Early with the PETA (People for the Ethical Indians: The Story of Our Ancestors and Treatment of Animals) ‘Person of the Year’ Where We Came From’? Award 2019? 1) Akshaya Mukul 2) Sujatha Gidla 1) Clint Eastwood 2) Joaquin Rafael Phoenix 3) Anuk Arudpragasam 4) Tony Joseph 3) Leonardo DiCaprio 4) Robert De Niro 5) None of these 5) None of these Answer – 4) Tony Joseph Answer – 2) Joaquin Rafael Phoenix Explanation: Explanation: On December 2, 2019, English author Tony Joseph On 3rd December 2019, Joaquin Rafael Phoenix, (56) based in New Delhi has won the prestigious 12th American actor from California, United States (US) has ‘Shakti Bhatt First Book Prize 2019’ for his 2018 book, been bestowed with the PETA (People for the Ethical ‘Early Indians: The Story of Our Ancestors and Where We Treatment of Animals) ‘Person of the Year’ Award 2019. Came From’ published by Juggernaut Books. Authors Joaquin Phoenix has been a vegan since the age of three Prayaag Akbar and Sonia Faleiro was the jury for the and has been a supporter of PETA for a long time. He has prize. recently appeared in an advertisement of PETA titled 2) Who was awarded with “We are all animals”, which was displayed in the Times (ET) Lifetime Achievement award for Public Square and Sunset billboards to promote the prohibition Service 2019? of travelling wild-animal circuses. 1) 2) Narendra Modi 4) Which state received the National award for 3) Rajnath Singh 4) Excellence for Rehabilitation of Persons with 5) None of these Disabilities (PwDs,Divyangjan) for the “best Answer – 4) Arun Jaitley state in implementation of accessible india campaign” for its “Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan”? Explanation: 1) Uttar Pradesh 2) Tamil Nadu On 1st December 2019, Arun Jaitley former Finance Minister of India was bestowed with the Economic Times 3) Kerala 4) Assam (ET) Lifetime Achievement award for Public Service 5) None of these 2019. The award was received by Arun Jaitley’s spouse Answer – 1) Uttar Pradesh Sangeeta Jaitley.He was the former Finance Minister of Explanation: India, he was also the Minister of Corporate Affairs from On 3rd December 2019, Muppavarapu Venkaiah May 2014 to May 2019, Minister of Defence from March Naidu, Vice President of India presents Uttar Pradesh 2017 to September 2017, Minister of Information and (UP) the National award for Excellence for Rehabilitation Broadcasting from November 2014 to July 2016, Minister of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs,Divyangjan) on behalf of Law and Justice from July 2003 to May 2004 and of the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting from Empowerment. The award was received by Mahesh October 1999 to September 2000. Kumar Gupta, additional Chief Secretary of UP on behalf of the State Government. The event was organized by the 85

Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disability 3) World Organ and Tissue Transplant (DEPwD). UP has received the award for the Organization (WOTTO) implementation of Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan, the 4) International Organ and Tissue Transplant campaign was launched in the year 2014-2015 to provide Organization (IOTTO) attainable physical infrastructure and other 5) None of these communication facilities to PwDs. Answer – 2) National Organ and Tissue Transplant 5) Which ministry has collaborated with Centre Organization (NOTTO) for Media Studies (CMS) & organized the Explanation: VATAVARAN-2019 Short Film Competition States were bestowed with awards for organ and Festival on Environment recently? donation the event was organized by NOTTO (National 1) Ministry of Minority Affairs Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization) of Union 2) Ministry of Human Resource Development Health and Family Welfare Ministry (MoHFW) headed (MHRD) by Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister for Health and 3) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Family Welfare at Vigyan Bhavan. Change (MoEF&CC) 7) Name the state, that was bestowed with Best 4) Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) State award in cadaveric organ donation for 5) None of these the fifth time by NOTTO (National Organ and Answer – 3) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Tissue Transplant Organization)? Climate Change (MoEF&CC) 1) Gujarat 2) Maharashtra Explanation: 3) Uttar Pradesh 4) Tamil Nadu On November 30, 2019, Shri Ravi Agrawal, 5) None of these Additional Secretary of Ministry of Environment, Forest Answer – 4) Tamil Nadu and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has presented the 1st Explanation: ever MoEF&CC and Centre for Media Studies (CMS) Tamil Nadu (TN) was bestowed with Best State VATAVARAN – 2019 Short Film Competition and award in cadaveric organ donation for the fifth time, Festival awards on Environment to several school Gujarat won three awards for the Best SOTTO (State students and professionals for their documentaries and Organ Tissue Transplant Organization), Best hospital films in a ceremony held in New Delhi. and Best coordinator in the organ donation field and Madhya Pradesh (MP) won the Best SOTTO award.Rajiv Category Prize Title Language Director Gandhi Government General Hospital (RGGGH) in School 1st Clean and English Toon Club Chennai, Tamil Nadu won the Best Performing Hospital Students Green &EcoleMo award.The 10th organ donation day was headed by Dr. ndialeWor Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister for Health and Family ld School Welfare, Ashwini Kumar Choubey, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare and C.Vijayabaskar, Health Amateur 2nd One Life English Nishant Minister, Tamil Nadu. and Kumar College Nishu 8) Which organization has presented 15th students edition of Mother Teresa Memorial Awards for Social Justice (MTMA) awards 2019? Profession 1st Now, Your English Prasad 1) Harmony Foundation als Home? Panduran 2) Clinton Foundation gMahekar 3) Adelson Foundation 4) Bush Foundation 6) Which organization has presented the awards 5) None of these for organ donation on 10th organ donation day? Answer – 1) Harmony Foundation 1) Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization Explanation: (OTTO) On November 4, 2019, Harmony Foundation has 2) National Organ and Tissue Transplant presented 15th edition of Mother Teresa Memorial Organization (NOTTO) Awards for Social Justice (MTMA) awards 2019 to noble reformists at the MTMA ceremony held with the theme 86

‘Combating Contemporary Forms of Slavery’at the Taj 8 Alezandra Russell She runs an organisation Lands End, Mumbai, Maharashtra. (Founder, Urban Light) in Thailand that empowers & S.N. Winner Award for rehabilitates boys and 1 Nobel Laureate Kailash fight against child labour men who are victims of Satyarthi (Founder, and trafficking in India trafficking and Bachpan Bachao and South East Asia exploitation. Andolan) 9 Hsina Kharbhih An organisation rescues 2 Ajeet Singh (Founder, An activist who (Founder, Impulse NGO and empoweres more Guria) fearlessly spearheads Network) than 72,000 vulnerable the fight to combat victims from the fate of sexual exploitation of trafficking women and children in 10 Office for the Rescue of An organisation that has India. Yazidis (Director, successfully rescued over 3 Doctors Against Forced An organisation that Hussein Al-Qaidi) 3500 Yazidi women and Organ Harvesting continually upholds children from the (DAFOH, USA ) ethical practices in perilous clutches of ISIS medicine and its fight and are still on a mission against organ trafficking to rescue others. especially in China. 11 PRERANA (Co-Founder, An NGO that attempts to 4 Free A Girl (Founder, An organization honored Priti Patkar) abolish Evelien Hölsken) for uniquely intergenerational re-integrating former prostitution. sex-workers into civil 12 Rob Williams (CEO, War For using his skills as a society by training them Child UK) filmmaker to spread into becoming future awareness about the advocates. existence of 5 JEEVIKA (Founder, Dr. An organisation working contemporary forms of Kiran Kamal Prasad) to end bonded 30,000 slavery and inspiring the labour in Karnataka by fight against it freeing and rehabilitating those who 9) Name the 1st living Swiss, whose face was have been trapped in its engraved in the Swiss coin? clutches. 1) Ueli Maurer 2) Claude Nicollier 6 Junior Nzita Nsuami For spearheading the 3) Roger Federer 4) Martina Hingis international campaign 5) None of these through the United Answer – 3) Roger Federer Nations against the use Explanation: of child soldiers in war On 3rd December 2019, Roger Federer (38), from 7 Rob Williams (CEO, War He rescues, reforms and Basel Switzerland becomes the first ever living Swiss to Child UK) rehabilitates child have his face engraved in the Swiss coin. Roger’s image soldiers rescued from was engraved in a 20-Franc silver coin by the Swissmint, warlords and armed official mint of the Swiss Confederation. It is the first groups notably in the time in history that a living person’s is being honoured Democratic Republic of with his image engraved on the Swiss coin. The first Congo and the Central minting ran off 55,000 units being sold out between the African Republic. 2nd and 19th of December 2019 and more coins will be minted during May 2020 on a 50-Franc gold coin with a different design. 87

10) National Florence Nightingale Awards 2019 is 3) Abhishek Verma, Elavenil Valarivan and given to ______? Saurabh Chaudhary 1) Doctors 2) Social service 4) Anjum Moudgil, Apurvi Chandela and Elavenil 3) Nurses 4) Politician Valarivan 5) None of these 5) None of these Answer – 3) Nurses Answer – 2) Divyansh Singh Panwar, Elavenil Explanation: Valarivan and Saurabh Chaudhary On 5th December 2019, Ram Nath Kovind, Explanation: President of India bestowed 36 awardees with the On 8th December 2019, Indian Shooters, Divyansh National Florence Nightingale Awards 2019 at an event Singh Panwar, from Jaipur, Rajasthan Elavenil in Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The Nurses were awarded Valarivan, from Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu and Saurabh for their enthusiasm and compassion towards their work Chaudhary, from Meerut, Uttar Pradesh received the in community health centres and hospitals and also their Golden Target Award from International Shooting Sport involvement in national health programmes like Federation (ISSF) at its headquarters in Munich, eradication of polio, malaria and HIV/AIDS. Germany.The occasion was assisted by Raninder Singh, 11) Who topped in the IMDB’s (Internet Movies President of the National Rifle Association of India Database) 2019 Top 10 Indian Celebrities on (NRAI), member of the International Olympic Committee 5th December 2019? (IOC) and former World and Olympic 1) Hrithik Roshan 2) champion. 3) Disha Patani 4) 13) Who was crowned with 2019 5) None of these during the 68th edition of the Miss Universe Answer – 4) Priyanka Chopra Pageant held in Atlanta, Georgia? 1) Bonang Matheba 2) Tamaryn Green Explanation: 3) Zozibini Tunzi 4) Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters On 5th December 2019, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Indian actress tops the list of IMDb (Internet Movies 5) None of these Database) 2019 top 10 Indian Celebrities. Priyanka Answer – 3) Zozibini Tunzi Chopra was born in Jamshedpur, India. Other Indian Explanation: celebrities in the top 10 list are Disha Patani and Hrithik On 9th December 2019, Zozibini Tunzi, 26, Miss Roshan taking the 2nd and 3rd places respectively. The South Africa 2019, was crowned Miss Universe 2019 by IMDb’s top 10 list is taken from IMDbPro Starmeter , Miss Universe 2018 during the 68th rankings and is based on the number of viewers in the edition of the Miss Universe Pageant held in Atlanta, page of the celebrities, there are about 200 million Georgia. The two runners-up were Miss Mexico (Ashley monthly IMDb visitors. Alvidrez) and Miss Puerto Rico (Madison Anderson). The Top 5 list of IMDB’s (Internet Movies Database) top 5 were from Mexico, Colombia, Puerto Rico, Thailand 2019 Top 10 Indian Celebrities: and South Africa. Vartika Singh represented India in the 68th edition of the Miss Universe Pageant, though she Rank Name of Celebrities failed to make it up to the top 10. Vartika Singh was crowned as Miss Diva 2019, in September 2019. 1 Priyanka Chopra 14) Name the diplomats, who were honoured with 2 Disha Patani ‘The Diwali – Power of One’ award in 3 Hrithik Roshan recognition and celebration of their work, 4 Kiara Advani especially at the United Nations (UN), for a secure and peaceful world? 5 Akshay Kumar 1) Kairat Abdrakhmanov, Nicholas Emiliou, Frantisek Ruzicka & Volodymyr Yelchenko 12) Name the shooters, who won the Golden 2) Besiana Kadare, Martín García Moritán, Walton Target Award from International Shooting Alfonso Webson & Mitchell Peter Fifield Sport Federation (ISSF) in Munich, Germany? 3) Jan Kickert, Sheila Carey, Masud Bin Momen & 1) Yashaswini Singh Deswal, Manu Bhaker and Sheila Carey Elavenil Valarivan 2) Divyansh Singh Panwar, Elavenil Valarivan and Saurabh Chaudhary 88

4) Lois Michele Young, Sacha Sergio Llorenty Solíz, Renowned Hindi poet, Vishwanath Prasad Tiwari is Sven Alkalaj & Mauro Luiz Iecker Vieira 5) None to be honoured with the Gangadhar National Award, of these during the 53rd Foundation Day celebration of Answer – 1) Kairat Abdrakhmanov, Nicholas Sambalpur University, Odisha. Viswanath was the Emiliou, Frantisek Ruzicka & Volodymyr Yelchenko former President of the Sahitya Akademi between Explanation: 2013-2014 and was born in Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh On December 6, 2019, 4 diplomats were honoured (UP). with ‘The Diwali – Power of One’ award at the United 17) Which city was selected as the World’s Leading Nations(UN) Headquarters in New York, United States Sports Tourism Destination by the 26th (US) in recognition and celebration of their work, Edition of the World Travel Awards (WTA) especially at the United Nations(UN), for a secure and 2019? peaceful world. The 4 diplomats are as follows, 1) Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia  Kairat Abdrakhmanov– Former Foreign Minister and 2) Moscow, Russia Permanent Representative of Kazakhstan to the UN. 3) Abu Dhabi, UAE (United Arab Emirates)  Nicholas Emiliou– Former Permanent Representative of Cyprus to the UN. 4) Jakarta, Indonesia  Frantisek Ruzicka– Former Chef de Cabinet to the 5) None of these President of the 72nd Session of the UN General Answer – 3) Abu Dhabi, UAE (United Arab Assembly(UNGA) and Permanent Representative of Emirates) Slovakia to the UN.  Volodymyr Yelchenko- Permanent Representative of Explanation: Ukraine to the UN. On 10th December 2019, Abu Dhabi, UAE (United 15) Name the Bollywood actress, who was Arab Emirates) has been selected as the World’s Leading honoured at the Festival International Du Sports Tourism Destination by the 26th Edition of the Film De Marrakech (FIFM) 2019? World Travel Awards (WTA) 2019 held in Muscat, Oman. 1) Katrina Kaif 2) Aishwarya Rai Abu Dhabi has been selected for the award for the 7th time in a row. 3) Deepika Padukone 4) Priyanka Chopra Jonas 5) None of these 18) Which country’s Davi Kopenawa Yanomami also called the ‘Dalai Lama of the Rainforest’ Answer - 4) Priyanka Chopra Jonas received the Right Livelihood Award 2019, also Explanation: known as the ‘Alternative Nobel Prize’ award On 6th December 2019, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, for his effort taken in the protection of the Indian actress was awarded at the Festival International Amazon Rainforest? Du Film De Marrakech (FIFM) 2019 held in Jemaa el Fna 1) Brazil 2) China 3) Germany 4) Japan square, Marrakesh, Morocco for completing 20 years in 5) None of these Cinema. She has also received the Danny Kaye Humanitarian Award at the UNICEF (United Nations Answer – 1) Brazil International Children’s Emergency Fund) Snowflake Explanation: Ball in December 2019. Other honourees in the festival Activists Davi Kopenawa, Greta Thunberg, Guo were, Robert Redford, actor and director, Bertrand Jianmei and Aminatou Haidar received the Right Tavernier, French filmmaker and Mouna Gettou, actor. Livelihood Award 2019, also known as the ‘Alternative Nobel Prize’. The award ceremony took place at 16) Who was honoured with the Gangadhar Stockholm, Sweden at the end of a Final event of a ten National Award 2019, which is bestowed in the day long program of celebrations in Germany, remembrance of renowned poet Gangadhar Switzerland and Sweden. Davi Kopenawa Yanomami Meher? from Brazil also called the ‘Dalai Lama of the Rainforest’ 1) Vishwanath Prasad Tiwari received the award for his effort taken in the protection of 2) Subodh Sarkar the Amazon Rainforest, he has led a 20 year campaign to 3) Leeladhar Jagoori protect their amazon territory and has always fought for 4) Rajendra Kishore Panda the people of Yanomami and Yakwana and the 5) None of these Yanomami territory in Venezuela, which is the largest Answer – 1) Vishwanath Prasad Tiwari area of rainforest in the world under the control of Explanation: indigenous people in Spite of receiving threat from gold miners and politicians. 89

19) Which state government has won the ‘World Honourees in other categories of TIME 2019 awards: Habitat Award’ for its Jaga Mission, that aims at transforming the slums into livable Name Profession Category of award habitats by UK based organization World Melissa Viviane Singer Entertainer of the Habitat? Jefferson (Lizzo) Year 1) Gujarat 2) Uttar Pradesh Robert Allen Iger Chairman and Businessperson of 3) Odisha 4) Assam Chief Executive the Year 5) None of these Officer (CEO) of Answer – 3) Odisha The Walt Disney Explanation: Company On 9th December, 2019, Odisha won the ‘World United States Women’s Soccer Athlete of the Habitat Award’ for Jaga Mission also called Odisha (US) women’s Year Liveable Habitat Mission (OLHM), a slum land titling national soccer project executed for the benefit of millions of urban-poor team people living in slums. The award was given by the World Habitat, a UK (United Kingdom) based organization The Public Federal workers Guardians of the which gives the award annually to recognize innovative Servants of the US Year housing projects around the world. 20) Name the application that won the 22) Who were honored with the ‘Sports Person of Copernicus Masters Award also called Space the Year 2019’ award at the FICCI (Federation Oscars 2019 under the social of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Entrepreneurship category? Industry) India Sports Awards-2019? 1) Zuri 2) Runtastic PRO 1) Virat Kohli & Manu Bhaker 3) Untappd 4) Yelp 2) Rani Rampal & Saurabh Chaudhary 5) None of these 3) Virat Kohli & Saurabh Chaudhary Answer – 1) Zuri 4) & Explanation: 5) None of these The Gurugram- based startup program has created Answer – 2) Rani Rampal & Saurabh Chaudhary an application called ‘Zuri’ that won the Copernicus Explanation: Masters Award also called Space Oscars, under the social On December 11, 2019, Indian women’s hockey team Entrepreneurship category. The award was given by the captain Rani Rampal (25) and gold medalist Earth observation program managed by the European shooter Saurabh Chaudhary (17) were honored with the Commission (EU) in partnership with the European ‘Sports Person of the Year 2019’ award at the FICCI Space Agency (ESA). The application was developed by (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Gurgaon-based startup Blue Sky Analytics. Industry) India Sports Awards-2019 held at FICCI 21) Who becomes the youngest TIME’s Person of Federation House in New Delhi.Some other award the Year for 2019? winners are, 1) Luisa Neubauer 2) Malala Yousafzai 3) Beata Thunberg 4) Greta Thunberg S.N. Award name Winner 5) None of these 1 Best Company Central Coalfields Answer – 4) Greta Thunberg Promoting Sports Limited Railway Explanation: (Public Sector) Sports Promotion Board On 11th December 2019, Greta Thunberg, 16 year 2 Best Company Centre for Sports old Swedish climate activist was named TIME’s Person of Promoting Sports Science the Year for 2019, she is the youngest person to be (Private Sector) honoured with the title in the 92 year history of TIME magazine. The TIME’s Person of the Year for 2019 award 3 Best NGO Promoting Subroto Mukherjee is conferred since 1927, for a person or a group of people Sports Sports Education who create an impact on the important events taking Society place in the year, the selection is done by the editors of TIME magazine. 90

4 Special Recognition My Angels Academy 2 Best State Promoting Odisha NGO Sports (Non-governmental 3 Best Sports Journalist Kamesh Srinivasan (The organizations) Hindu) Promoting Sports 4 Special Recognition on the Chitharesh Natesan– (1st 5 Best Professional The Sports School theme of Building New Indian to win ‘Mr Services Company India Through Sports & Universe 2019) 6 Best Sports Start-up FanCode Powered by Fitness Dream11 7 Best National Sports National Rifle 24) Who was bestowed with the first edition of Federation Association of India Siu-Ka-Pha award for the year 2019? 1) Padmeswar Gogoi 8 Sportsperson of the Year Rani Rampal (Hockey) (Female) 2) Sayed Monowar Hussain 3) Jyoti Prasad Gogoi 9 Sportsperson of the Year Saurabh Chaudhary 4) Jayanta Kumar Goswami (Male) (Shooting) 5) None of these 10 Para-Athlete of the Year Sandeep Chaudhary Answer – 1) Padmeswar Gogoi (Javelin) Explanation: 11 Special Recognition Manasi Joshi Padmeswar Gogoi, was bestowed with the first Para-Athlete of the Year (Badminton) edition of Siu-Ka-Pha award for the year 2019 by the 12 Breakthrough Sports Amit Panghal (Boxing) Central Committee of Different Ethnic Groups and the Person organizations of the Golaghat district at the Siu-Ka-Pha Samannay Kshetra in Golaghat, Assam. The award was 13 Special Recognition Esow Alben (cycling) presented by Dhiren Hazarika, Deputy Commissioner Breakthrough Sports (DC) of Golaghat, and includes a citation, a memento, a Person of the Year cheleng chador and cash prize of Rs. 10,000. 14 Coach or Support Staff of Satyanarayana 25) Who topped in the 16th annual ranking of ‘The the Year Forbes 2019 list of The World’s 100 Most 15 Lifetime Achievement Govindaraj Kempareddy Powerful Women’ list released on December Award (Administrator) 13, 2019? 1) Ursula von der Leyen 23) Pankaj Advani was awarded with the Lifetime 2) Nancy Pelosi Achievement Award (Athlete) in FICCI 3) Christine Lagarde (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce 4) Angela Merkel and Industry) India Sports Awards-2019, he is 5) None of these associated with which sport? Answer – 4) Angela Merkel 1) Boxing 2) Badminton Explanation: 3) Cue Sport 4) Cycling On December 13, 2019 the 16th annual ranking of 5) None of these ‘The Forbes 2019 list of The World’s 100 Most Powerful Answer – 3) Cue Sport Women’ list was released. The list was topped by German Explanation: Chancellor Angela Dorothea Merkel, 65-year old, for the Pankaj Advani, who won Lifetime Achievement 9th consecutive year. Award (Athlete) in FICCI (Federation of Indian 26) At what position, Union Finance Minister of Chambers of Commerce and Industry) India Sports India Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman (60 years) Awards-2019.He belong to Cue Sport.Some other award ranked in ‘The Forbes 2019 list of The World’s winners are 100 Most Powerful Women’ list that released on December 13, 2019? 1 Lifetime Achievement Pankaj Advani (cue sport) 1) 33 2) 41 3) 34 4) 45 Award (Athlete) 5) None of these Answer – 3) 34 91

Explanation: On December 12, 2019, “International Changemaker On December 13, 2019 the 16th annual ranking of Olympiad (ICO)”, an annual international competition ‘The Forbes 2019 list of The World’s 100 Most Powerful program founded by Rahul Adhikari, a Gold-Medalist Women’ list was released. Union Finance Minister of from Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT-R), has India Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman (60 years) ranked 34th won the Wharton-QS Stars Reimagine Education Award in the list. The list was topped by German Chancellor 2019, popularly known as the “Oscars” of education under Angela Dorothea Merkel, 65-year old, for the 9th “Sustainability” category at the 2019 Reimagine consecutive year. Education Conference & Awards ceremony held in London, U.K(United Kingdom), from December 8 Rank Name Country -10,2019. 34 Nirmala Sitharaman India 29) Who was awarded with the 2019 WTA Player of the year award by Women’s Tennis 1 Angela Merkel Germany Association (WTA)? 2 Christine Lagarde France. 1) Sofia Kenin 2) Timea Babos 3 Nancy Pelosi United States(US) 3) Kristina Mladenovic 4) Ashleigh Barty 4 Ursula von der Leyen Belgium 5) None of these Answer – 4) Ashleigh Barty 5 Mary Barra United States Explanation: Ashleigh Barty, Australia was bestowed with the Name the Journalist, who returned the 27) 2019 WTA Player of the year award with 82% vote, she “Maharashtra Rajya Sahitya Akademi Award” became the first Australian to be named WTA No.1 since that was bestowed upon her in 2011? Evonne Goolagong Cawley in 1976. She has recorded 57 1) Khalid Iqbal Yasir matches, the most matches won in the 2019 tour, and won 2) Shireen Dalvi (Shirin Dalvi) 4 titles from 6 finals. She advanced to the quarter finals 3) Ansar Abbasi at the Australian open and the round 16 of Wimbledon 4) Ahmed Rashid and U.S open becoming the 1st player to reach the 2nd 5) None of these week at all four Grand Slams in 2019. Answer – 2) Shireen Dalvi (Shirin Dalvi) 30) Belinda Bencic has won the 2019 WTA Explanation: Comeback Player of the Year award by On 12th December 2019, Shireen Dalvi (Shirin Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), she Dalvi), Mumbai based Urdu Journalist returned the 2011 belong to which country? Special Prize given by the Maharashtra State Urdu 1) United States (US) 2) France Sahitya Akademi to protest against the Citizenship 3) Switzerland 4) Hungary Amendment Bill (CAB). The Citizenship Amendment 5) None of these Bill, 2019, amends the Citizenship Act of 1995 to provide Answer – 3) Switzerland Indian citizenship to illegal migrants who entered India Explanation: on or before 31st December 2014. The bill also relaxes the Belinda Bencic, Switzerland won the 2019 WTA citizenship period of migrants from 11 years to 5 years, Comeback Player of the Year award with 80% vote, she the immediate beneficiaries of the bill includes over The player struggled after a wrist surgery in the year 30,000 people. 2016 that pushed her out of the top 300, she has regained 28) Name the founder of “International her position in the year 2019 as the WTA World No.8, Changemaker Olympiad (ICO)”, who won the after her first grand semifinal, and success in Dubai and Wharton-QS Stars Reimagine Education Moscow with a score of 49 wins in the WTA tour 2019. Award 2019, popularly known as the “Oscars” List of 2019 WTA Player Award Winners: of education under “Sustainability” category in London, U.K? Winners Country Category 1) Rahul Adhikari 2) Saurabh Saxena 3) Surabhi Dewra 4) Raveendran Ashleigh Barty Australia Player of the year 5) None of these Bianca Vanessa Canada Newcomer of the Answer – 1) Rahul Adhikari Andreescu year Explanation: 92  Sofia Anna Kenin United States Most Improved Lynette Wallworth, Australia, for her leadership in creating inclusive narratives. (US) Player of the year 33) Which film has won the prestigious Suvarna Timea Babos and Hungary and Doubles Team of Chakoram award 2019 (Golden Crow Kristina France the Year Pheasant) in the 24th edition of International Mladenovic Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) 2019? Belinda Bencic Switzerland Comeback player 1) Howl's Moving Castle of the year 2) Nobody Knows 3) They Say Nothing Stays the Same 31) Which state’s Restoration of Dignity and 4) The Tale of Princess Kaguya Human Rights of Indigenous Tribal 5) None of these Community has received the gold prize in the Answer – 3) They Say Nothing Stays the Same 2019 World Habitat Award? Explanation: 1) Madhya Pradesh 2) Maharashtra Kerala State Chalachitra Academy (KSCA), an a 3) Tamil Nadu 4) Karnataka Kerala Government Institution to promote cinema has 5) None of these organized the 24th edition of International Film Festival Answer – 4) Karnataka of Kerala (IFFK) 2019 in Nishagandhi Auditorium, Explanation: Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) from December 6- 13, On 12th December 2019, the Restoration of Dignity 2019.Chief Minister (CM) Pinarayi Vijayan presented and Human Rights of Indigenous Tribal Community in awards during the event.Japanese film, ‘They Say Karnataka project was bestowed with a gold prize in the Nothing Stays the Same’, directed by Joe Odagiri, has 2019 World Habitat Award. The project started in the won the prestigious Suvarna Chakoram award 2019 year 2000 and is executed by ActionAid India with (Golden Crow Pheasant) for the best film screened in the Koraga Federation and Samagra Grameena Ashrama. competition section. The award was given by the World Habitat, a UK (United 34) Which massage has been inducted to Kingdom) based organization, in association with the UNESCO’s (United Nations Educational, United Nations (UN)-Habitat. Scientific and Cultural Organization) 32) Name the Indian actress, who received the prestigious heritage list? 26th Annual Crystal Awards for the year 2020 1) Nuad Thai (Thailand) by World Economic Forum (WEF) for her 2) Balinese Massage (Bali) leadership in raising mental health 3) Indian Ayurvedic Massage (India) awareness? 4) Hot Stone Massage (Vietnam) 1) Alia Bhatt 2) Deepika Padukone 5) None of these 3) Priyanka Chopra 4) Aishwarya Rai Answer – 1) Nuad Thai (Thailand) 5) None of these Explanation: Answer – 2) Deepika Padukone On December 13, 2019, Thailand’s famous Explanation: 2000-year-old massage, Nuad Thai was added to On 14th December 2019, the World Economic UNESCO’s (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Forum’s (WEF) 26th Annual Crystal Awards 2020 Cultural Organization) prestigious heritage list. Thai announced its winners to celebrate the enduring massage originated in India and brought it to Thailand contributions of exceptional artists to the society. The about 2,500 years ago by doctors and monks who carried winners will be honoured in the World Economic Forum its secrets for generations. Under King Rama III of at its 50th Annual Meeting 2020 to be held on 20th Thailand in the nineteenth century, scholars carved their January in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland. knowledge on the stones of Wat Pho (a Buddhist temple Winners of 26th Annual Crystal Award 2020 are complex). as follows: 35) Who was crowned as 2019 at 69th  Deepika Padukone, India, for her leadership in raising Miss World competition 2019 held in London, mental health awareness.  Theaster Gates, United States (US), for his leadership United Kingdom (UK)? in creating sustainable communities. 1) 2)  Jin Xing, China, for her leadership in shaping 3) Vanessa Ponce 4) Toni-Ann Singh inclusive cultural norms. 5) None of these 93

Answer – 4) Toni-Ann Singh Explanation: Explanation: On December 16, 2019 English cricket player On December 15, 2019, Toni-Ann Singh (23) of Benjamin Andrew Stokes (Ben Stokes), was named as the was crowned as at 69th Miss BBC’s (British Broadcasting Corporation) Sports World competition 2019 held at the ExCeL London Personality of the Year 2019. He also became the 5th international centre in London, United Kingdom(UK). cricketer to bag the coveted trophy and the first cricketer She was crowned Miss World title by Miss World after England’s Andrew Flintoff(Cricketer) who won in 2018-Vanessa Ponce of Mexico. 2005. Ben Stokes was awarded for his key role in 36) Suman Ratan Singh Rao (21) of India, has won England’s win in the 2019 cricket World Cup which was the title of Miss World Asia 2019.She belong to held in England and Wales in the United Kingdom(UK). which state? 1) Uttar Pradesh 2) Rajasthan Award Awardee Country Sports 3) West Bengal 4) Assam Sports Ben Stokes England Cricket 5) None of these Personality of Answer – 2) Rajasthan the Year 2019 Explanation: Rollason George Scotland Rugby Miss World 2019 finale, Suman Ratan Singh Rao Award Wilson (21) of India, has won the title of Miss World Asia 2019 Doddie Weir during the . The other Miss World 2019 Young Sports Caroline Britain Boxing Continental winners are Trinidad & Tobago from Personality of Dubois Caribbean, France from Europe, Brazil from Americas, the Year Cook Islands from Oceania & Nigeria from Africa. Suman Ratan Singh Rao, who hails from Rajasthan, finished 3rd Lifetime Tanni United Wheelchair in the contest. Achievement Grey-Thomps Kingdom racing on 37) Which country’s ‘Carnival of Aalst’ has been removed from the UNESCO (United Nations Coach of the John Blackie England Athletics Educational, Scientific and Cultural Year Organization)’s Intangible Cultural Heritage World Sport Eliud Kenya Marathon of Humanity List? Star Kipchoge running 1) Andorra 2) Luxembourg Greatest Jos – – 3) Belgium 4) Netherlands Sporting Buttler(Engla 5) None of these Moment nd) breaks the Answer – 3) Belgium stumps to seal Explanation: Cricket World On 14th December 2019, UNESCO (United Nations Cup victory Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), has Team of the England’s – – removed the ‘Carnival of Aalst’ of Belgium from its Year Cricket World Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity List. The 2019 Cup team carnival featured a parade float that included racist and Unsung Hero Keiren England – anti-Semitic representations which mocked the Orthodox Thompson Jews. The carnival was added to the Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2010. 39) Who has won the 9th edition of DSC Prize for 38) Who was named as the BBC’s (British South Asian Literature 2019 for the book “Half Broadcasting Corporation) Sports The Night Is Gone”? Personality of the Year 2019? 1) Salman Rushdie 2) Ruskin Bond 1) Benjamin Andrew Stokes (Ben Stokes) 3) Amitabha Bagchi 4) Arundhati Roy 2) Jonny Bairstow 5) None of these 3) Joe Root Answer – 3) Amitabha Bagchi 4) Steve Smith Explanation: 5) None of these Answer – 1) Benjamin Andrew Stokes (Ben Stokes) 94

On 16th December 2019, Amitabha Bagchi’s book 7 Women’s ODI Team Indians: Smrithi – “Half The Night Is Gone” won the 9th edition of DSC of the Year Mandana, Prize for South Asian Literature 2019. The award Shikha Pandey, ceremony was held in the 8th edition of IME Jhulan (International Money Express) Nepal Literature Festival Goswami and 2019 held in Pokhara, Nepal. The award was presented Poonam Yadav. by Pradeep Gyawali, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Nepal 8 Womens’ T20 Team of Indians: Smrithi – and Surina Narula, co-founder of the DSC Prize. the year Mandana, 40) Name the Indian Cricketer, who was named in Deepti Sharma both ICC women’s ODI (One Day and Radha International) and T20 (twenty twenty) teams Yadav. of the year 2019 in ICC Awards 2019? 1) Smriti Mandana 2) Jemimah 42) Which firm surpasses Indian Oil Corporation 3) 4) Harmanpreet Kaur (IOC) & ranked number 1 in the Fortune India 5) None of these 500 list 2019? Answer – 1) Smriti Mandana 1) Hindustan Unilever Explanation: 2) Oil and Natural Gas Corporation(ONGC) On December 17, 2019 the International Cricket 3) State Bank of India Council (ICC) has announced the ICC awards 2019. It is a 4) Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) set of sports awards for cricket recognising and honoring 5) None of these the best international cricket players of the previous 12 Answer – 4) Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) months. Indian women’s cricket player Smriti Mandana Explanation: was named in both ICC women’s ODI (One Day International) and T20 (twenty twenty) teams of the year. On December 16, 2019 the Fortune magazine has released its annual Fortune India 500 list for the year 41) Who has won the Rachael Heyhoe-Flint Award 2019. Indian multinational conglomerate, Reliance 2019 & ODI cricketer of the year 2019 in ICC Industries Limited (RIL) led by Mukesh Dhirubhai awards 2019? Ambani topped the list surpassing Indian Oil 1) Rachael Haynes 2) Meg Lanning Corporation (IOC), which ranked as India’s largest 3) Ellyse Perry 4) Alyssa Healy company to top Fortune India 500 list for 10 years. RIL is 5) None of these also the 1st privately held company to largest corporation Answer – 3) Ellyse Perry in India in 10 years. Explanation: 43) Who was awarded with the ‘India Cyber Cop of Ellyse Perry won the Rachael Heyhoe-Flint Award the Year 2019’ by NASSCOM (National 2019 & ODI cricketer of the year 2019 in ICC awards Association of Software and Services 2019. Companies)-DSCI (Data Security Council of India)? S.N. Award Awardees Country 1) B.P Raju 2) R.K. Raghavan 1 Rachael Ellyse Perry Australia. 3) PC Sharma 4) Rishi Kumar Shukla Heyhoe-Flint Award 5) None of these 2 ODI cricketer of the Ellyse Perry Australia. Answer – 1) B.P Raju year Explanation: On 17th December 2019, B.P Raju, CBI (Central 3 T20 Cricketer of the Alyssa Healy Australia. Bureau of Investigation) officer won ‘India Cyber Cop of Year the Year 2019’ award given by NASSCOM (National 4 Emerging Cricketer Chanida Thailand. Association of Software and Services Companies)-DSCI of the Year Sutthiruang (Data Security Council of India) in the Annual 5 ODI skipper of the Meg Lanning Australia. Information Security Summit held at Gurugram. He year received the award for cracking a fraud case in an online 6 T20 Skipper of the Meg Lanning Australia. entrance exam conducted by an engineering college in year Rajasthan. 95

44) Name the first Indian wrestler, who won the British Empire in India”. The book was 1st published in 2019 ‘Junior Freestyle Wrestler of the Year’ at 2016. the age of 18 years by United World 46) Which tamil novel by author Cho. Dharman (UWW)? received Sahitya Akademi Award for the year 1) 2) Rahul Aware 2019 recently? 3) Mausam Khatri 4) Deepak Punia 1) Koogai: The Owl 2) Eeram 5) None of these 3) Sokavanam 4) Sool Answer – 4) Deepak Punia 5) None of these Explanation: Answer – 4) Sool On December 17, 2019, The World Championships Explanation: silver medallist Deepak Punia was named as the 2019 Cho. Dharman from Thoothukudi, TamilNadu has ‘Junior Freestyle Wrestler of the Year’ by United World won the Sahitya Akademi award for his tamil Novel Sool. Wrestling (UWW). Punia is the first Indian wrestler in 18 The novel was published by “Adayalam publications”. It years to win a junior world title at the Junior World is also to be noted that his previous novel “Koogai” has Championships held in Talinn, Estonia in August been translated by the Oxford University, England. 2019.Other winners 47) Who is the author of the poem collection “Peelte Apne Ko”, that received Sahitya Sl.N. Award Name Awardee Country Akademi award for the year 2019? 1 Junior Freestyle Deepak Punia India 1) Nandkishore Acharya Wrestler of the 2) Vijaya Year 3) V. Madhusoodanan Nair 2 Greco-Roman Nihat Azerbaijan. 4) Ratilal Borisagar Wrestler of the Mammadli 5) None of these Year Answer – 1) Nandkishore Acharya 3 Freestyle Wrestler Rahman Mousa Iran. Explanation: of the Year Amouzadkhalili Renowned poet Nandkishore Acharya of Hindi has been announced the Sahitya Akademi award for his 4 Junior Kerem KAMAL Turkey. collection of poems ‘Peelte Apne Ko’. Greco-Roman Wrestler of the 48) Mujtaba Hussain has returned his Padma Shri Year award, in protest against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). He is a legendary 5 San Marino Athlete Myles Nazem San Marino. ______? of the Year Amine 1) Konkani author 2) Urdu author (America) 3) Bengali author 4) Gujarati author 6 Junior Women’s Yui SUSAKI Japan. 5) None of these Wrestler of the Answer – 2) Urdu author Year Explanation: The 86-year-old urdu author Mujtaba Hussain from 45) Name the Indian Politician, who won Sahitya hyderabad, had said he will return his Padma Shri award Akademi Award 2019 for his book “An Era of to protest against the Citizenship Amendment Act(CAA). Darkness: The British Empire in India”? He stated due to the current situation in the country, he 1) Nandigam Suresh 2) Shashi Tharoor did not want to keep the award anymore. The 3) Talari Rangaiah 4) P. V. Midhun Reddy Government of India awarded him the fourth highest 5) None of these civilian honour of Padma Shri 2007, for his contributions Answer – 2) Shashi Tharoor to Urdu literature.He is best known for his books America Explanation: Ghaans Kaat Raha Hai, Cihrah dar cihrah, a take on US Indian politician, writer and Congress party member foreign policy, Japan Chalo and many other books. Shashi Tharoor won the Sahitya Akademi Award 2019 49) Who tops in the 2019 Forbes India celebrity for . The Member of Parliament(MP) of 100? Lok Sabha from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, tharoor 1) Salman Khan 2) Mahendra Singh Dhoni won the award for his book “An Era of Darkness: The 96

3) Akshay Kumar 4) Virat Kohli 1) Virendra Nath Misra 2) R. Nagaswamy 5) None of these 3) Paramananda Acharya Answer – 4) Virat Kohli 4) Achala Moulik Explanation: 5) None of these The Forbes India magazine has published its list of Answer – 2) R. Nagaswamy celebrity 100 for the year 2019. This rankings were based Explanation: on the estimation of their annual earnings through Archaeologist R. Nagaswamy was honoured at the professions and endorsement of celebrities and their Silver Jubilee International Conference of Art in Dhaka frame from October 1,2018 to September 30, 2019. by Bangladesh culture minister K.M. Khalid for his According to the list of celebrity 2019, Indian Cricket contribution to art, archaeology, history and culture. team captain Virat kohli has become the first sportsman 53) Name the 1st child from Kerala, who will to gain the top spot for the first time with the annual receive the ‘Bharat Award for bravery’ for the earnings of Rs. 252.72 crore. Kohli replaced Bollywood year 2019 for saving 20 people from a burning superstar Salman Khan, who had been at the top for the bus on the move? previous three years. Actor Akshay Kumar is at the 1) Aditya K. 2) F. Lalchhandama second position followed by Salman Khan. 3) N. Shangpon Konyak4) Laxmi Yadav 50) Which organization has presented the award, 5) None of these “Rashtriya Swayamsiddh Samman 2019” on Answer – 1) Aditya K. 19th December 2019? Explanation: 1) JSPL Foundation 2) NASSCOM Foundation On December 20, 2019 the Bharat award for bravery 3) Bhaskar Foundation 4) Smile Foundation was announced. Aditya K. of Ramanattukara, Kozhikode, 5) None of these Kerala became the first child from the State to receive the Answer – 1) JSPL Foundation highest honour award for bravery, the Bharat award. He Explanation: was awarded for saving 20 people from a burning bus on On 19th December 2019, the JSPL Foundation, the the move. The awards will be presented by Prime CSR (Corporate social responsibility) arm of Jindal Steel Minister Shri Narendra Modi at the Republic Day event & Power Ltd. has conferred Rashtriya Swayamsiddh in New Delhi on January 26,2020. Samman 2019 to recognize and honour social innovators 54) Rafael Nadal was named as the “International and Change Agents in India. The awards were presented Tennis Federation (ITF) World Champions for by Ravi Shankar Prasad, Minister of Law & Justice and the year 2019 in Men’s Singles Category.He Electronics and Information Technology upon 17 belongs to which country? individuals and 10 organisations at a function held in 1) France 2) Spain New Delhi. 3) Argentina 4) Russia 51) Name the first Australian, who was named as 5) None of these the ‘ITF Women’s World Champion for the year Answer – 2) Spain 2019’ under Women’s Singles Category? Explanation: 1) Astra Sharma 2) Samantha Stosur International Tennis Federation (ITF) honoured 3) Ashleigh Barty 4) Margaret Court eleven players in annual awards including Singles, 5) None of these Doubles, Wheelchair and Juniors. The ITF has Answer – 3) Ashleigh Barty announced that Rafael Nadal of Spain has been named Explanation: 2019 ITF World Champions in Men’s Singles. Nadal The 23-year-old Ashleigh Barty is the first claimed the season-ending ITF world title for the fourth Australian to be named ITF Women’s World Champion in time after sealing an historic 12th French Open and a Women’s Singles Category.Having become the first fourth U.S. Open, as well as helping Spain to their sixth Australian woman to reach No.1 in the world rankings Davis Cup title. since Evonne Goolagong Cawley in 1976. Barty also lifted the season-ending WTA Finals trophy and led Australia CATEGORY WINNER to their first Fed Cup final since 1993. Men Singles Spain Rafael Nadal 52) Who was honoured at the Silver Jubilee International Conference of Art in Dhaka, Women Singles Australia’s Ashleigh Barty Bangladesh? 97

Women Doubles Timea Babos of Hungary 1) 2) and Kristina Mladenovic of 3) 4) Sanjay Dutt France 5) None of these Men Doubles Colombia’s Juan Sebastian Answer – 2) Amitabh Bachchan Cabal and Robert Farah Explanation: On December 23, 2019, The Vice President of India, Men’s Wheelchair Argentina’s Gustavo Shri Muppavarapu Venkaiah Naidu has conferred the Fernandez 66th National Film Awards for the year 2018 in 31 Women’s Wheelchair Netherland’s Diede de categories in New Delhi. Actor, Shri Amitabh Bachchan, Groot who skipped the Awards ceremony due to ill-health will Quad Australia’s Dylan Alcott be presented with the prestigious 50th DadasahebPhalke Award (Indian cinema’s biggest honour in his 50th year 55) Name the district that was awarded by United in the Indian film industry) on December 29,2019. This Nations International Children’s and award consists of Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus) Education Fund (UNICEF) for effective medallion, a shawl, and a cash prize of Rs 10,00,000. In implementation of Swachh Bharat Mission in 2017, It was conferred upon late actor Vinod Khanna. water sanitation and hygiene sectors for the 58) Which bank has received “Best Performing year 2019? Bank award” for Rural Self Employment 1) Kamareddy district, Telangana Training Institutes (RSETI) (2nd rank) for 2) Mancherial district, Telangana 2018-19 from Union Minister for Agriculture 3) Karimnagar district, Telangana and Farmers Welfare, Rural Development and 4) Nizamabad district, Telangana Panchayati Raj Narendra Singh Tomar? 5) None of these 1) HDFC Bank 2) ICICI Bank Answer – 1) Kamareddy district, Telangana 3) Yes Bank 4) Andhra Bank Explanation: 5) None of these United Nations International Children’s and Answer – 4) Andhra Bank Education Fund (UNICEF) has awarded Kamareddy Explanation: district of Telangana for effective implementation of Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Swachh Bharat Mission in water sanitation and hygiene Welfare, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj sectors for the year 2019. This award was given under the Narendra Singh Tomar, presented the Best Performing categories like construction of individual sanitary Award for Rural Self Employment Training Institutes lavatories, swachh darpan wall paintings, swachh (RSETI) (2nd rank) to Andhra Bank for the financial year survekshan, swachh sundar shouchalay and other 2018-19. The Award was received by Executive Director activities. of Andhra Bank, Kul Bhushan Jain. A RSETIs sponsored by Andhra Bank which is situated at Rajam in 56) Who has conferred the 66th National Film Awards for the year 2018 in 31 categories in Srikakulam District, Andhra Pradesh also received Best New Delhi? performing RSETI award. 1) Narendra Modi 2) Rajnath Singh 59) Who received the United Nations (UN)’s “most 3) Ram Nath Kovind famous teenager in the world” in its ‘Decade 4) Muppavarapu Venkaiah Naidu in Review’ report? 1) Malala Yousafzai (Malala) 5) None of these 2) Bana Alabed Answer – 4) Muppavarapu Venkaiah Naidu 3) Sonita Alizadeh Explanation: 4) Mari Copeny On December 23, 2019, The Vice President of India, Shri Muppavarapu Venkaiah Naidu has conferred the 5) None of these 66th National Film Awards for the year 2018 in 31 Answer – 1) Malala Yousafzai (Malala) categories in New Delhi. Explanation: 57) Name the Indian actor, who won the Malala Yousafzai (also known as Malala), a prestigious 50th Dadasaheb Phalke Award Pakistani activist for female education and the youngest (Indian cinema’s biggest honour in his 50th Nobel Peace Prize (2014) laureate, was named as “the year in the Indian film industry)? most famous teenager in the world” by the United 98

Nations (UN) in its ‘Decade in Review’ report released on Technology Seminar (ARTECH) that held in New Delhi December 23, 2019.The report covers a decade of major with the theme ‘Technologies for Non – Contact Warfare’ events happened between 2010 and the end of 2013, History behind ‘Sarvatra Kawach’ development: Major celebrities and agreements that have become most Anoop Mishra was hit by a bullet on his jacket during famous. The report includes big news such as the deployment in Jammu and Kashmir but he was saved devastating earthquake in 2010 in Haiti (a Caribbean luckily.After this incident, he decided to develop a country), the conflict that began in Syria in 2011 & full-body bulletproof jacket that can save the lives of Malala’s work in favour of girls’ education for the year soldiers. The Jacket can withstand a sniper bullet even 2012. from 10 metres. It was developed in the College of 60) Name the former Indian Men’s & Women’s Military Engineering in Pune. Cricket team captain, who were honoured 62) Name the first Indian Ophthalmologist, who with the prestigious Board of Control for won the Life Achievement Honor Award 2019, Cricket in India (BCCI)’s CK Nayudu Lifetime the highest award of the American Academy of Award for the year 2019? Ophthalmology (AAO)? 1) Krishnamachari Srikkanth & 1) Dr. Satish Mehta 2) Dr. Navin Sakhuja 2) Ravi Shastri & Nilima Jogalekar 3) Dr. Santosh Gajanan Honavar 3) & Sandhya Agarwal 4) Dr. Lalit 4) & Harmanpreet Kaur 5) None of these 5) None of these Answer – 3) Dr Santosh Gajanan Honavar Answer – 1) Krishnamachari Srikkanth & Anjum Explanation: Chopra Indian ophthalmologist from Pune (Maharashtra) & Explanation: director of the Department of Ocular Oncology and Krishnamachari Srikkanth (60), Former Indian Oculoplasty at Centre for Sight, Hyderabad, Telangana, cricket team captain and member of the 1983 World has become the 1st Indian Ophthalmologist (doctor who Cup-winning team & former Indian women’s Cricket specializes in eye and vision care) to won the Life team captain Anjum Chopra (42) will be the recipient of Achievement Honor Award 2019, the highest award of prestigious Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)’s the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) CK Nayudu Lifetime Award for the year 2019. The award conferred to its members. will be presented on January 12 during the BCCI Annual 63) Name the Indian musician and composer, who Award function in Mumbai, Maharashtra.Former Indian has been selected for 2019 Harivarasanam captain, Krishnamachari Srikkanth (60) hails from award? Tamil Nadu.He played for India from the year 1) S. P. Balasubrahmanyam 1981–1992. He retired from international cricket in 1993. 2) Ilaiyaraja He was the first Indian player to score a half-century and 3) A. R. Rahman pick up 5 wickets in an ODI. 4) K. J. Yesudas 61) Who received the “Army Design Bureau 5) None of these Excellence Award” for indigenously Answer – 2) Ilaiyaraja developing the bullet-proof jacket named Explanation: ‘Sarvatra Kawach’? Noted musician and composer Ilaiyaraja (born as 1) Major Ashok Ambre Gnanathesikan) has been selected for 2019 2) Major Kunhiraman Palat Candeth Harivarasanam award. The award has been instituted by 3) Major S K Upadhya the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) of the govt. since 4) Major Anoop Mishra 2012 and comprises of a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh, a citation 5) None of these and a plaque. It is given to persons who have contributed Answer – 4) Major Anoop Mishra to secularism and universal brotherhood through music. Explanation: Ilayaraja will be conferred with the award on January 9 On December 23, 2019, Major Anoop Mishra 2020 at a function at Sabarimala sannidhanam (main received the “Army Design Bureau Excellence Award” by temple) in Kerala. Indian Army Chief General for indigenously 64) Who were honoured with the Akashdeep developing the bullet-proof jacket named ‘Sarvatra Sanman awards for the year 2019, instituted by Kawach’ .The award was presented during the Army media house Amar Ujala recently? 99

1) Dharamvir Bharati & Suryakant Tripathi days) stay in the ISS was held by Scott Kelly, who was in 2) Gynanranjan & Jaishankar Prasad space during 2015-16. 3) Bhalchandra Vanaji Nemade & Dharamvir 66) Who received the 50th Dadasaheb Phalke Bharati Award for the year 2018 from President Ram 4) Bhalchandra Vanaji Nemade & Gynanranjan Nath Kovind in Delhi, for the outstanding 5) None of these contribution in the film industry? Answer – 4) Bhalchandra Vanaji Nemade & 1) Sanjay Dutt 2) Gynanranjan 3) Amitabh Bachchan 4) Dharmendra Explanation: 5) None of these On December 28 2019, Noted Marathi writer Answer – 3) Amitabh Bachchan Bhalchandra Vanaji Nemade, and Hindi writer Explanation: Gynanranjan were conferred with Akashdeep Sanman On December 29th 2019, Amitabh Bachchan awards, the highest literary award for their lifetime received 50th Dadasaheb Phalke Award for the year 2018 contribution, by noted lyricist-filmmaker Gulzar from President Ram Nath Kovind in Delhi, for his (Sampooran Singh Kalra) during an event in YB Chavan outstanding contribution to the film industry. He failed to Centre, Mumbai, Maharashtra. receive the award at the 66th National Awards ceremony 65) Name the women astronaut, who surpassed held on 23rd December due to serious ill. He was Peggy Whitson record & created a new record honoured by The Government with the Padma Shri in by becoming the single longest space mission 1984, in 2001 and the held by a woman? in 2015 for his contributions to the arts. 1) Christina Hammock Koch 67) Who was honored with “Lokmanya Tilak 2) Sally Ride National Journalism Award” for his great 3) Jessica Meir contribution in the field of Journalism? 4) Svetlana Savitskaya 1) Rajdeep Sardesai 2) Arnab Goswami 5) None of these 3) Sanjay Gupta 4) Ravish Kumar Answer – 1) Christina Hammock Koch 5) None of these Explanation: Answer – 3) Sanjay Gupta On December 30,2019, Christina Hammock Koch Explanation: (40), an American engineer and the United States (US) Sanjay Gupta, the editor-in-chief of ‘Jagran’ will be Space agency-NASA (National Aeronautics and Space honored with “Lokmanya Tilak National Journalism Administration) astronaut has created history by Award” for his great contribution in the field of becoming the longest-lived woman in space. She overtook Journalism.The award was instituted by the the record of NASA’s astronaut Peggy Whitson for 288 Kesari-Maratha Trust and it will be conferred to Gupta days in the International Space Station (ISS). Koch, who on 4th January 2020 during the 139th foundation arrived at the space station March 14,2019, will return ceremony of ‘kesari’ newspaper started by Lokmanya from ISS on February 6, 2020 after spending 328 days / Tilak. nearly 11 months in space. The record for the longest (340 APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

1) Who was appointed as the 24th Controller Soma Burman is also the 7th woman to be in that post. General of Accounts (CGA) on 1st December, Before taking charge as the CGA, Soma Burman worked 2019? as Additional Controller General of Accounts in the office 1) Soma Roy Burman 2) Rajiv Gauba of CGA (Accounting and Finance). She has also played a 3) Archana Nigam 4) Sushil Singh major role in strengthening Public Financial 5) None of these Management in the Union Government. Answer – 1) Soma Roy Burman 2) Which armed industry company has Explanation: appointed Hari Mohan as chairman on On 1st December 2019, Soma Roy Burman was December 1, 2019? appointed as the 24th Controller General of Accounts 1) Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) (CGA), Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure, 100

2) Defence Research and Development 1) 2) Ameenah Gurib Organisation (DRDO) 3) Prithiviraj Singh Roopun 3) Indian Ordnance Factories Service (IOFS) 4) Monique Ohsan Bellepeau 4) Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) 5) None of these 5) None of these Answer – 3) Prithiviraj Singh Roopun Answer – 4) Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) Explanation: Explanation: On 2nd December 2019, Prithiviraj Singh Roopun On December 1, 2019, Shri Hari Mohan, a (61) was elected as the by the 1982-batch Indian Ordnance Factories’ Service (I.O.F.S.) Lawmakers of Mauritius. Prithiviraj Roopun was the officer has taken over as the new chairman of Ordnance former Minister of Arts and Culture of Mauritius. He Factory Board (OFB). He succeeds Shri Saurabh Kumar preceded Ammenah Gurib-Fakim who resigned in March who has superannuated from the services. Prior to this 2018. Also, Mr. Marie Cyril Eddy Boissezon appointed as appointment, Mohan was served as a Member of the OFB the new Vice-President of the Republic of Mauritius. and was in charge of the Weapons, Vehicles and 6) Who was appointed as the Chief Executive Equipment (WV&E) division of the OFB. Officer (CEO) of Alphabet on 4th December 3) Who was appointed as the 10th President of 2019? Asian Development Bank (ADB) on 2nd 1) Steve Ballmer 2) Satya Nadella December 2019? 3) Sergey Brin 4) Sundar Pichai 1) Taroichi Yoshida 2) Masatsugu Asakawa 5) None of these 3) Haruhiko Kuroda 4) Tadao Chino Answer – 4) Sundar Pichai 5) None of these Explanation: Answer – 2) Masatsugu Asakawa On 4th December 2019, Sundar Pichai, current CEO Explanation: (Chief Executive Officer) of Google has been made the On 2nd December 2019, Masatsugu Asakawa was CEO of Alphabet, the parent organization of Google, elected as the 10th President of the Asian Development followed by the resignation of Larry Page and Sergey Bank (ADB) by the Board of Governors of the ADB. Brin, CEO and President of Alphabet and the founders of Asakawa will be assuming office on January 17, 2020, Google.Sundar Pichai will now act as the CEO of Google after the resignation of Takehiko Nakao, the current and Alphabet while Larry Page and Sergey Brin will act President of ADB. Asakawa will finish the term of Nakao as the Board members, shareholders and co-founders of on November 23, 2021. Asakawa is the current Special Alphabet. Advisor to Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister (PM) of Japan and 7) Name the Prime Minister (PM) of Finland, who Taro Aso, the Minister of Finance, Japan. resigned after losing support from the 4) Which country’s Prime Minister Abdul Mahdi coalition partner on 3rd December 2019? resigned recently? 1) Kaarlo Castrén 2) Antii Rinne 1) Armenia 2) Sudan 3) Juho Vennola 4) Rafael Erich 3) Iraq 4) Iran 5) None of these 5) None of these Answer – 2) Antii Rinne Answer – 3) Iraq Explanation: Explanation: On 3rd December 2019, Antii Rinne, Prime Minister Iraq’s Prime Minister (PM) Abdul Mahdi has (PM) of Finland resigned after losing support from the resigned from his post after heavy protests. He has taken coalition partner. Rinne has been heading the this decision after more than 40 people were killed by Government since June 2019. He handed his resignation security forces in Baghdad and Iraq’s mainly Shia to Sauli Vainamo Niinisto, . southern cities of Nasiriya and Najaf in anti-government 8) To which country, Upender Singh Rawat was protests. Iraq’s supreme Shiite religious leader Ali appointed as the Indian Ambassador on al-Sistani has condemned the use of excessive force December 3, 2019? against the protesters and called for the formation of a 1) Republic of Costa Rica new government. The protesters are demanding jobs, 2) Republic of Cuba elimination of corruption and civic amenities. 3) Bahamas 5) Who was elected as the President of Mauritius 4) Barbados on December 2, 2019? 101

5) None of these On 2nd October 2019, Ripu Daman Bevli was Answer – 1) Republic of Costa Rica appointed as Plogging Ambassador of India by Kiren Explanation: Rijiju, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports On 3rd December 2019, Upender Singh Rawat, IFS (MYAS) on the 50th Fit India Plogging Run held in (Indian Foreign Service) officer and the current Indian Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. The minister also Ambassador to the Republic of Panama has been launched the Plogging Ambassador Mission to nominate appointed as the Indian Ambassador to the Republic of Indians who have been running and cleaning their cities, Costa Rica with a residence in Panama City. towns or districts as Plogging Ambassadors of their region. 9) Who was elected as the President of Namibia for the second term on 1st December 2019? 12) Who was appointed as the chairman of 1) Hage Gottfried Geingob National Stock Exchange(NSE) on December 2) Hifikepunye Pohamba 6, 2019? 1) Girish Chandra Chaturvedi 3) Ben Ulenga 2) Vikram Limaye 4) Sam Nujoma 3) Dinesh Kanabar 5) None of these 4) Naved Masood Answer – 1) Hage Gottfried Geingob 5) None of these Explanation: Answer – 1) Girish Chandra Chaturvedi On 1st December 2019, Hage Gottfried Geingob (78), Namibia’s third leader since the country freed itself from Explanation: South Africa in 1990 has been named as President of On December 6, 2019 India’s leading stock exchange Namibia for the second term with 56.3% votes. Hage the National Stock Exchange(NSE) has appointed public Geingob was preceded by Hifikepunye Pohamba in the interest Director Girish Chandra Chaturvedi as its new year 2015. chairman. The appointment was done after market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India’s 10) Which bank has appointed Rajendran Chinna (SEBI) approval. Chaturvedi replaced Ashok Chawla, Veerappan as the Managing Director (MD) who resigned as a chairman in January 2019.Shri and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) on 4th Chaturvedi who is a retired IAS Indian Administrative December 2019? Service) officer has previously served as Secretary of the 1) Kotak Mahindra Bank Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoP&NG). 2) Catholic Syrian Bank (CSB) bank 13) Who was elected as the 46th Prime Minister of 3) Dhanlaxmi Bank Finland, who became the world’s youngest 4) Bandhan Bank serving Prime Minister at the age of 34? 5) None of these 1) 2) Sanna Mirella Marin Answer – 2) Catholic Syrian Bank (CSB) bank 3) Krista Kiuru 4) Explanation: 5) None of these On 4th December 2019, Rajendran Chinna Answer – 2) Sanna Mirella Marin Veerappan was appointed as the Managing Director Explanation: (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Catholic On December 8, 2019 Sanna Mirella Marin, Syrian Bank (CSB) bank, , Kerala by the Board transport & communications minister of Finland became of Directors of CSB bank in the Board meeting held on the world’s youngest serving Prime Minister(PM) at the 2nd December 2019 for a three year term effective from age of 34. She belongs to the Social Democratic Party 9th December 2019 to 8th December 2022. (SDP), which is the largest 5-member coalition party of Who was appointed as Plogging Ambassador 11) Finland. Sanna is also the 3rd female govt. leader of of India on the 50th Fit India Plogging Run in Finland. She replaced Antti Juhani Rinne, who resigned Delhi? from the post. 1) K. M. Beenamol 2) 14) Who was elected as the president of News 3) Jayanti Ravi 4) Ripu Daman Bevli Broadcasters Federation (NBF) on December 5) None of these 8, 2019? Answer – 4) Ripu Daman Bevli 1) Rajdeep Sardesai 2) Sudhir Chaudhary Explanation: 3) Arnab Goswami 4) Ravish Kumar 5) None of these 102

Answer – 3) Arnab Goswami On December 10, 2019, PUMA, a German Explanation: multinational company that designs and manufactures On December 8, 2019 the editor-in-chief and athletic and casual footwear has appointed Indian men’s Managing Director(MD) of Republic TV, Arnab Goswami football team captain as its brand was elected as the president of governing board News ambassador for 3 years. Chhetri now joins the list of Broadcasters Federation (NBF). The new self-regulatory France’s Antoine Griezmann, Belgium’s Romelu Lukaku, organization in order to bring in transparent Uruguay’s Luis Suarez and Argentina’s Sergio Aguero self-regulation on content will be announced by the end of with whom Puma has tied up. January 2020. 18) Which organization has appointed Suniel 15) To which country C. Sugandh Rajaram, was Shetty as its Brand Ambassador on 10th appointed as the High Commissioner of India December 2019? on 6th December 2019? 1) International Paralympic Association (IPA) 1) Republic of 2) International Olympic Association (IOA) 2) Republic of Côte d'Ivoire 3) World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) 3) Republic of Mali 4) National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) 4) Republic of Guyana 5) None of these 5) None of these Answer – 4) National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) Answer – 1) Republic of Ghana Explanation: Explanation: On 10th December 2019, Suniel Shetty, Bollywood On 6th December 2019, C. Sugandh Rajaram, actor has been appointed as the Brand Ambassador of IFS:2001 (Indian Foreign Service) was appointed as the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA). The appointment High Commissioner of India to the Republic of Ghana, he took place in the presence of Kiren Rijiju, Minister of is the current Consul General, Consulate General of State (MoS) for Youth Affairs and Sports. India, Munich, Germany. Birender Singh Yadav, IFS: 19) Who was appointed as the brand ambassador 1997 was the previous High Commissioner of India to the for Food and beverage company, PepsiCo on Republic of Ghana. December 11, 2019? 16) Who was appointed as additional director of 1) Hrithik Roshan 2) Dhanlaxmi Bank on December 9, 2019? 3) Salman Khan 4) Shahrukh Khan 1) Lakshmy Devi K.R 5) None of these 2) V Viswanathan Answer – 3) Salman Khan 3) Chella K Srinivasan Explanation: 4) Srikanth Reddy On December 11, 2019, Food and beverage company 5) None of these PepsiCo has appointed Bollywood actor Salman Khan Answer – 2) V Viswanathan (born as Abdul Rashid Salim Salman Khan) as brand Explanation: ambassador for its flagship Pepsi brand of carbonated On December 9, 2019, The Board of Directors of beverage in India.The commercial will be launched in Dhanlaxmi Bank, an old private sector bank 2020 and will take up the “SWAG” themed campaign headquartered in Thrissur City of Kerala, has appointed which was launched in the summer of 2019. V Viswanathan as an additional Director of the bank with 20) Name the first ever brand ambassador of La effect from December 09, 2019.He will hold the post upto Liga from India, who is also the first ever the date of the next Annual General Meeting. non-footballer appointed in that position on 17) Who was appointed as the brand ambassador December 12, 2019? for athletic and casual footwear firm ‘PUMA’ 1) Shikhar Dhawan 2) Rohit Gurunath Sharma for 3 years on December 10, 2019? 3) Virat Kohli 4) MS Dhoni 1) 2) Sunil Chhetri 5) None of these 3) Virat Kohli 4) Sandesh Jhingan Answer – 2) Rohit Gurunath Sharma 5) None of these Explanation: Answer – 2) Sunil Chhetri On 12th December 2019, Rohit Gurunath Sharma Explanation: (32), Indian International Cricketer, was named the first ever brand ambassador from India of La Liga, professional football division of the Spanish football 103 league system for men. He is also the first ever On 13th December 2019, Alexander Boris de Pfeffel non-footballer to be in that position. The announcement Johnson won the United Kingdom (UK) general election was made by Jose Antonio Cachaza, Managing Director after his Conservative Party crossed the required of La Liga. majority of 326 votes of the 650 seats in the House of 21) Who is set to be appointed as the Chairman of Commons. The headed by Jeremy Bernard Indian Oil Corporation (IOC)? Corbyn and the Scottish National Party headed by Nicola 1) Shrikant Madhav Vaidya Ferguson Sturgeon gained 203 and 43 votes respectively. 2) SSV Ramakumar 3) G K Satish 15 Indian-origin politicians entered the UK’s House of Commons and the UK will be removed from the European 4) Sanjiv Singh 5) None of these Union (EU) in January marking Johnson’s win in the Answer – 1) Shrikant Madhav Vaidya general election. Explanation: 24) Which country has elected Abdelmadjid On 12th December 2019, Shrikant Madhav Vaidya, Tebboune as its President on 13th December Director of Refineries, Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) was 2019? shortlisted to become the Chairman of IOC. He was 1) Libya 2) 3) Morocco 4) Tunisia selected for the post by government headhunter Public Enterprise Selection Board (PESB). He joined the IOC 5) None of these board in October 2019, and will replace Sanjiv Singh who Answer – 2) Algeria is the current chairman of IOC. The term of office for the Explanation: post is three years. On 13th December 2019, , 22) Who will head the Group of Ministers (GoM) (74) former Prime Minister (PM) of Algeria was elected as on the Integrated Goods and Service Tax the President of Algeria succeeding Abdelkader (IGST) replacing Finance Minister Nirmala Bensalah. Tebboune served as the PM from May 2017 to Sitharaman? August 2017, under the governance of President 1) Tejashwi Yadav 2) Nitish Kumar . 3) Lalu Prasad Yadav 4) Sushil Kumar Modi 25) Who was appointed as the 28th Chief of Army 5) None of these Staff on 16th December 2019? Answer – 4) Sushil Kumar Modi 1) Satinder Kumar Saini Explanation: 2) On 11th December 2019, Sushil Kumar Modi, 3) Devraj Anbu Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar replaced Nirmala 4) Ranbir Singh Sitharaman, Minister of Finance (MoF) as the head of the 5) None of these Group of Ministers (GoM) on the Integrated Goods and Answer – 2) Manoj Mukund Naravane Service Tax (IGST), stated by the GST (Goods and Explanation: Services Tax) council. She was previously mentioned as On 16th December 2019, Lieutenant General Manoj the chairperson of the GST council to discuss issues Mukund Naravane will be appointed as the 28th Chief of related to IGST with Finance Ministers of Punjab, Army Staff (COAS). He is currently the Vice Chief of the Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan and deputy chief Army Staff and will replace Army Chief General Bipin ministers of Delhi and Puducherry. As she could not head Rawat who is set to retire on 31st December 2019 after a the GoM panel being the Finance Minister and the three-year term. chairperson of the GST council, Sushil Modi was made its 26) Which firm has appointed Sridhar Patra as convener. The panel was set up to look into the issue of the Chairman-cum-Managing Director splitting of the IGST between the centre and states. (CMD)? 23) Who was elected as the Prime Minister of the 1) National Aluminium Company Ltd (NALCO) United Kingdom on 13th December 2019? 2) NTPC Limited 1) Gordon Brown 2) David Cameron 3) Bharat Aluminium Company (BALCO) 3) Theresa May 4) National Mineral Development Corporation 4) Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson 5) None of these 5) None of these Answer – 1) National Aluminium Company Ltd Answer – 4) Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson (NALCO) Explanation: Explanation: 104

On December 17, 2019 Sridhar Patra was appointed Natarajan Chandrasekaran. NCLAT has now held as the Chief Managing Director(CMD) of the National Natarajan Chandrasekaran appointment as illegal after Aluminium Company Ltd (NALCO). Currently he serves Mistry’s restoration. as Director of Finance in NALCO. He will serve the 30) Who was elevated as the Chairman and company until his superannuation on October 31, 2024. Managing Director (CMD) of General 27) To which state, Governor of Nagaland, Insurance Corporation India (GIC Re) on 18th Ravindra Narayana Ravi was given additional December 2019? charge as governor on 16th December 2019? 1) Shashikant More 2) Reena Bhatnagar 1) Sikkim 2) Arunachal Pradesh 3) Deepak Prasad 4) Devesh Srivastava 3) Meghalaya 4) Mizoram 5) None of these 5) None of these Answer – 4) Devesh Srivastava Answer – 3) Meghalaya Explanation: Explanation: On 18th December 2019, Devesh Srivastava has On 16th December 2019, Ravindra Narayana Ravi, been raised to the position of Chairman and Managing Governor of Nagaland was given additional charge as Director (MD) at the General Insurance Corporation Governor of Meghalaya by the President of India. Ravi India (GIC Re). Previously he was managing the will act as the governor in the absence of leave of departments of human resource and training, Tathagata Roy who was the previous Governor of ReInsurance Worldwide (RIWW), corporate Meghalaya. communications, CMD’s Secretariat and innovation 28) Who was appointed as one of the board centre, he was transferred to GIC in 1999. members of the United States (US)- India 31) Name the Indian-American computer Business Council (USIBC) on 17th December scientist, who was appointed as the director of 2019? the National Science Foundation (NSF) of 1) Chitra Ramkrishna 2) Naina Lal Kidwai United States of America (USA)? 3) Mallika Srinivasan 4) Sulajja Firodia Motwani 1) Raj Reddy 2) Sudan 5) None of these 3) Answer – 3) Mallika Srinivasan 4) Sethuraman Panchanathan Explanation: 5) None of these On 17th December 2019, Mallika Srinivasan, Answer – 4) Sethuraman Panchanathan Chairman of Tractors and Farm Equipment Limited Explanation: (TAFE) was appointed as one of the board members of the On December 20, 2019, The United States (US) United States (US)- India Business Council (USIBC), a President Donald Trump has chosen Indian-American global board of the US Chamber of Commerce. The computer scientist, Sethuraman Panchanathan (58) as appointment is to take immediate effect as she joins a director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) of prestigious list of Chief Executive Officers (CEO) and America. He will succeed France Anne-Dominic Cordova, executives on USIBC 35-member board. who retires in 2020 after completing her 6-year term as 29) To which organization, National Company director of the institution. Dr. Sethuraman has taken on Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) has restored new responsibilities with research, innovation, academic Cyrus Mistry as executive chairman on administration and policy experience. December 18, 2019? 32) Who was named as the first Prime Minister 1) ITC Limited 2) Tata Group (PM) of Cuba since 1976? 3) Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) 1) Manuel Marrero Cruz 4) Larsen & Toubro Limited 2) Hubert Minnis 5) None of these 3) Charles Michel Answer – 2) Tata Group 4) Mia Mottley Explanation: 5) None of these On December 18, 2019 the National Company Law Answer – 1) Manuel Marrero Cruz Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) has restored former Tata Explanation: group Chairman Cyrus Mistry as executive chairman of Manuel Marrero Cruz, 56 has become the first PM of Tata Group who was ousted from his position citing Cuba since 1976.He has been the Tourism Minister of nonperformance in work. He was then replaced by Cuba for the last 16 years. He was appointed by the 105

Cuba’s President Miguel Diaz-Canel. Fidel Castro was 3) Harsh Kumar Bhanwala the Prime Minister from 1959 to 1976, when a new 4) Deepak Singhal constitution changed his title to President, the post of the 5) None of these PM was eliminated. Answer – 3) Harsh Kumar Bhanwala 33) Which organization has appointed Dr Sangita Explanation: Reddy as its President for the year 2019-20? On 20th December, 2019, Government of India had 1) National Association of Software and Services extended the tenure of Harsh Kumar Bhanwala, Companies (NASSCOM) chairman of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural 2) The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) Development (NABARD) by six months. In December 3) Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) 2013, he was appointed as the chairman of NABARD by 4) Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and succeeding Prakash Bakshi who retired on September Industry (FICCI) 2013. 5) None of these 36) Who was appointed as the new President of Answer – 4) Federation of Indian Chambers of ASSOCHAM (Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) Commerce and Industry of India) on Explanation: December 23, 2019? On 23rd December 2019, Dr Sangita Reddy, Joint 1) Balkrishan Goenka 2) Vineet Agarwal Managing Director of Apollo Hospitals Group was 3) Niranjan Hiranandani appointed as the President of Federation of Indian 4) Chandru Raheja Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) for the 5) None of these year 2019-20, during FICCI’s 92nd Annual Convention in Answer – 3) Niranjan Hiranandani New Delhi.She succeeds Mr Sandip Somany, Vice Explanation: Chairman and Managing Director, HSIL Limited. Mr Niranjan Hiranandani, Managing Director of has been elevated as Senior Vice Hiranandani Groups has taken the charge of Assocham’s President of FICCI. Mr Sanjiv Mehta was appointed as (Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of the Vice President of FICCI. India) new President on December 23, 2019. He replaces 34) Who was appointed as the first woman Chief Welspun Group Chairman Balkrishan Goenka. Asscham Technology Officer (CTO) at the US has celebrated its centenary meet in New Delhi recently. government’s powerful Federal PM Modi was the chief guest for the event and spoke Communications Commission (FCC)? about the economic challenges and the preparations to 1) Angela Ahrendts 2) Dr Monisha Ghosh achieve the target of $5 trillion economy. 3) Sheryl Sandberg 4) Ursula Burns 37) Which Small Finance Bank has appointed P R 5) None of these Ravi Mohan as the Chairman on December 24, Answer – 2) Dr Monisha Ghosh 2019? Explanation: 1) ESAF Small Finance Bank Indian-American Dr Monisha Ghosh has been 2) Fincare Small Finance Bank appointed as the first woman Chief Technology Officer at 3) AU Small Finance Bank the US government’s powerful Federal Communications 4) Equitas Small Finance Bank Commission (FCC). She will take charge on January 13, 5) None of these 2020.She replaces Dr Eric Burger. Dr Ghosh will advise Answer – 1) ESAF Small Finance Bank Indian-American Chairman of the FCC Ajit Pai and the Explanation: agency on technology and engineering issues.she will also On December 24, 2019 P R Ravi Mohan was work with the Office of Engineering and appointed as the new chairman of ESAF Small Finance Technology.Ghosh received her PhD in Electrical Bank (SFB). Ravi has replaced R Prabha, whose tenure Engineering from the University of Southern California as chairman has ended. Ravi previously worked as chief in 1991 and B.tech from IIT Kharagpur in 1986. general manager Department of Banking Operations and 35) Name the Chairman of National Bank for Development (DBoD) of the Reserve Bank of India(RBI). Agriculture and Rural Development He also previously headed the Banking Supervision (NABARD), whose tenure was extended by six Department of RBI. months on 20th December, 2019? 38) Who was appointed as the 33rd Foreign 1) T. Venkatakrishna 2) Arindom Datta Secretary of India? 106

1) Nirupama Rao 2) Riva Ganguly Das Chief of Defence Staff(CDS) till 2022. The CDS is a 4-star 3) Navtej Sarna single-point military adviser to the government’s defence 4) Harsh Vardhan Shringla ministry as suggested by the Kargil Review Committee in 5) None of these 1999 headed by K. Subrahmanyam. Answer – 4) Harsh Vardhan Shringla 42) Who was appointed as India’s 1st Chief of Explanation: Defence Staff (CDS) on December 30, 2019? The Government of India as appointed the Senior 1) Ranbir Singh Diplomat and Indian ambassador to the United States, 2) Manoj Mukund Naravane Mr. Harsh Vardhan Shringla as the next Foreign 3) Bipin Rawat 4) Secretary. He is the 33rd foreign secretary of the country. 5) None of these He replaces Vijay Gokhale. Shringla will take charge Answer – 3) Bipin Rawat after the completion of VIjay Gokhale’s two-year term on Explanation: January 29, 2020. On December 30, 2019 outgoing Indian Army Chief 39) Raghubar Das has resigned as the Chief General Bipin Rawat has been appointed as India’s 1st Minister of which state? Chief of Defence Staff(CDS). The CDS is a 4-star 1) Himachal Pradesh 2) Jharkhand single-point military adviser to the government’s defence 3) Meghalaya 4) Mizoram ministry as suggested by the Kargil Review Committee in 5) None of these 1999 headed by K. Subrahmanyam. The CDS will serve Answer – 2) Jharkhand upto a maximum age of 65 years and will head the Explanation: Department of Military Affairs (DMA), which will be created within the Ministry of Defence(MoD) and On December 23,2019, Jharkhand chief minister function as its Secretary. Earlier the tenure was 3 years (CM) Raghubar Das has submitted his resignation to or upto the retirement age of 62 years, whichever is governor Draupadi Murmu at Raj Bhavan in Ranchi after earlier but the changes have been made in the Army being ousted from power due to the Bharatiya Janata Rules, 1954 to set age limit at 65. Party’s (BJP) election defeat. 43) What is the maximum age limit of Chief of 40) Which Organization’s Chief Executive Officer Defence Staff (CDS), that was changed from 62 (CEO), Dennis Muilenburg resigned recently? years after amending the Army Rules, 1954? 1) Bombardier 2) Airbus 1) 68 years 2) 65 years 3) Boeing 4) Lockheed Martin 3) 60 years 4) 70 years 5) None of these 5) None of these Answer – 3) Boeing Answer – 2) 65 years Explanation: Explanation: On 23rd December, 2019, Dennis Muilenburg, Chief On December 30, 2019 outgoing Indian Army Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of American Aerospace firm, General Bipin Rawat has been appointed as India’s 1st Boeing has stepped down after MAX 737 crashes. He will Chief of Defence Staff(CDS). The CDS is a 4-star be succeeded by its Chairman David L. Calhoun. But, he single-point military adviser to the government’s defence will not take charge as CEO until January 13, 2020.Untill ministry as suggested by the Kargil Review Committee in he joins, Boeing’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Greg 1999 headed by K. Subrahmanyam. The CDS will serve Smith will serve as interim CEO. upto a maximum age of 65 years and will head the Who chairs the Kargil Review Committee, that 41) Department of Military Affairs (DMA), which will be recommends to create Chief of Defence Staff created within the Ministry of Defence(MoD) and (CDS) post recently? function as its Secretary. 1) K. Subrahmanyam 44) Who sworn in as the 11th Chief Minister of 2) S.N. Verma Jharkhand on 29th December 2019? 3) Shivraman 4) S P Talwar 1) Madhu Koda 2) Shibu Soren 5) None of these 3) Arjun Munda 4) Hemant Soren Answer – 1) K. Subrahmanyam 5) None of these Explanation: Answer – 4) Hemant Soren On December 30, 2019 outgoing Indian Army Chief Explanation: General Bipin Rawat has been appointed as India’s 1st 107

On 29th December 2019, Hemant Soren sworn in as 2020, which has been increased to 30 July 2021.Arun the 11th Chief Minister of Jharkhand at the oath taking Kumar is a 1987 batch IPS (Indian Police Service) officer ceremony took place at Morabadi Ground in Ranchi for of Kerala cadre. He has been serving as the chief of the the second term. He is succeeding Mr. Raghubar Das who SPG since March 2016.His deputation was extended for served for the period of 28th December 2014 – 29th 2- years previously in the year 2018.The Union December 2019.He is the president of the Jharkhand government has recently amended the SPG Act, 1988. Mukti Morcha (JMM), a political party in Jharkhand. 48) Who was appointed as India’s Representative 45) was appointed as the Prime and Governor on the board of Economic Minister of which of the following country on Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia December 28, 2019? (ERIA) for a period of 3 years on December 31, 1) Algeria 2) Turkey 2019? 3) Tunisia 4) Morocco 1) Srivastava 2) T. K. Mitra 5) None of these 3) B. V. Wanchoo 4) Rohan Shah Answer – 1) Algeria 5) None of these Explanation: Answer – 4) Rohan Shah On December 28, 2019 Algeria’s President Explanation: Abdelmadjid Tebboune has announced Abdelaziz Djerad On December 31, 2019, Rohan Shah, a practicing (65 years) as the Prime Minister (PM) of the country. He counsel at the Supreme Court(SC) and various High is a university professor and former diplomat, served Courts(HC), has appointed as India’s Representative and under former President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, who was Governor on the board of Economic Research Institute for ousted in April 2019. Djerad succeeds Noureddine Bedoui ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) for a period of 3 years. The as the new PM. ERIA board meets once every 6 months in 46) Who sworn in as the Deputy Chief Minister of Jakarta(Indonesia) & in Japan. Maharashtra? 49) Which organization has appointed, Surjeet 1) Chhagan Bhujbal 2) Balasaheb Thorat Singh Deswal as its head on December 31, 3) Ajit Anantrao Pawar 4) Aaditya Thackeray 2019? 5) None of these 1) Railway Protection Force (RPF) Answer – 3) Ajit Anantrao Pawar 2) Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Explanation: 3) Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) On 30th December 2019, Ajit Anantrao Pawar was 4) Border Security Force (BSF) sworn in as Maharashtra’s deputy chief minister in 5) None of these Mumbai, for the second time in two months. Earlier he Answer – 2) Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) had sworn-in as deputy CM on November 23 along with Explanation: BJP’s Devendra Fadnavis but had resigned in less than On December 31, 2019 ITBP (Indo-Tibetan Border 80 hours. This time as part of the Shiv Police) Director General (DG) Surjeet Singh Deswal has Sena-NCP-Congress coalition government in the state. been given “additional” charge to head India’s as well as 47) Name the Director of Special Protection the World’s largest paramilitary force, the CRPF (Central Group (SPG), whose tenure was extended to Reserve Police Force) as notified by the Ministry of Home one more year till 30 July 2021? Affairs (MoHA). The additional charge has been given 1) Arun Kumar Sinha immediately after CRPF’s DG, Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar’s 2) Trinath Mishra retirement. 3) Devendra Singh 50) Name the 1st ever women, who was appointed 4) Shyamal Datta as the 13th Chairperson and Managing 5) None of these Director (CMD) of Shipping Corporation of Answer – 1) Arun Kumar Sinha India (SCI) on December 21, 2019? Explanation: 1) Kiran Mazumdar Shaw On December 30, 2019, The Appointments 2) Vandana Luthra Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), Government of India 3) Harjeet Kaur Joshi (GoI), has approved the extension in the deputation 4) Priya Paul tenure of Special Protection Group (SPG) director, Arun 5) None of these Kumar Sinha. His term of deputation ended on 19 March Answer – 3) Harjeet Kaur Joshi 108

Explanation: 2022, or until further orders. Joshi has replaced Capt. On December 21, 2019, Harjeet Kaur Joshi has been Anoop Kumar Sharma who served as the CMD for the appointed as the full-time Chairperson and Managing past three years. Meanwhile, the government has also Director (CMD) of privatization-bound Shipping decided to sell its 63.75% stake in SCI, to a private Corporation of India (SCI). With this appointment, she strategic buyer and the stake sale is in process. became the 13th CMD and also the 1st ever woman CMD of SCI and will serve till her superannuation on May 31,