GKTODAY Current Affairs [PDF] - November 1-15,2019 2019 This is a dynamic PDF E-book by GKToday. The latest version of this book can be downloaded from this link Published by: GKTODAY.IN GKToday © 2019 | All Rights Reserved The authors and publisher have made every effort to ensure that the information in this E-book is correct. However, GKToday does not assume and hereby disclaims any liability to any party for any loss, damage, or disruption caused by errors or omissions, whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause. This document is a property of GKToday. Unauthorized Duplication is not allowed. Current Affairs [PDF] - November 1-15, 2019 Multiple Choice Questions 1. Which state government has decided to partner with MIT-based Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL)? [A] West Bengal [B] Kerala [C] Odisha [D] Sikkim Answer: Odisha The Odisha government has decided to partner with Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) for targeted intervention in a set of social sectors including poorest of the poor through policy formulation and evaluations based on experimental research. The co-founders of J-PAL are Nobel laureates Abhijit Banerjee and Esther Duflo. The Massachusettes Institute of Technology (MIT)-based J-PAL is known for its experimental research studies or randomized controlled trials. It has worked extensively in Africa as well India and its evaluations have helped improve outcomes of social sector initiatives. 2. What is the theme of 2019 edition of World Cities Day (WCD)? [A] Designed to Live Together [B] Inclusive Cities, Shared Development [C] Changing the world [D] Promoting a better urban future Answer: Changing the world The World Cities Day (WCD) is observed every year on 31 October to promote the international community’s interest in global urbanization, push forward cooperation among countries in meeting opportunities and addressing challenges of urbanization, and contributing to sustainable urban development around the world. The 2019 theme “Changing the world: innovations and a better life for future generations” discusses how urbanization can be used to achieve sustainable development. 3. Which golfer has won the 2019 Zozo Championship in Japan? [A] Anirban Lahiri [B] Jyoti Randhawa [C] Gaganjeet Bhullar [D] Tiger Woods Answer: Tiger Woods Tiger Woods made history after he won the 2019 Zozo Championship in Japan for his 82nd US PGA Tour victory. according to the World Golf Hall of Fame, Woods equals legendary golfer Sam Snead 54-year-old record, who won 82 titles throughout his career. 4. Which state government has launched a new initiative “Meal in exchange for plastic waste”? [A] Tamil Nadu [B] Odisha [C] Jharkhand [D] West Bengal Answer: Odisha In an effort to raise awareness about the perils of using plastic, the Kotpad Notified Area Council (NAC) in Koraput district of Odisha is providing free meals to the poor in exchange for a kilogram of plastic waste. The new initiative is being carried out under the State government’s ‘Aahar’ scheme. The programme entails a meal for anyone who brings a kilogram of used polythene bags, plastic bottles and cups. Under the Aahar scheme, poor people in urban areas of the state are provided a meal comprising rice and ‘dalma’ (lentils with vegetable) at a cost of Rs 5. 5. John Witherspoon, who passed away recently, was the noted actor and comedian of which country? [A] United States [B] France [C] Japan [D] China © 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 87 Current Affairs [PDF] - November 1-15, 2019 Answer: United States John Witherspoon, the US actor and comedian, has passed way . He was best known for his role as rapper Ice Cube’s father in the comedy trilogy Friday. He made his film debut in the 1980 ‘The Jazz Singer’ and appeared in Hollywood Shuffle, Boomerang, Vampire in Brooklyn and The Ladies Man 6. Saint Kittis and Nevis, which recently signed ISA Framework Agreement, is an island country of which ocean? [A] Pacific Ocean [B] Indian Ocean [C] Arctic Ocean [D] Atlantic Ocean Answer: Atlantic Ocean India hosted the 2nd International Solar Alliance (ISA) assembly in New Delhi on 30th-31st October 2019. In it, two countries – Eritrea and Saint Kittis and Nevis – have signed the ISA’s Framework Agreement and took the total number of signatories to 83. The ISA was jointly launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and then French President Francois Hollande at the UN Climate Change Conference in Paris in November 2015. It is a major global initiative for contributing to the implementation of the Paris Climate Agreement through rapid and massive deployment of solar energy. The Saint Kittis and Nevis is an island country in the West Indies, which is the region of the North Atlantic Ocean. 7. Girija Kir, who passed away recently, was the noted author of which language? [A] Marathi [B] Tamil [C] Telugu [D] Odia Answer: Marathi Girija Kir (86), the noted Marathi author, has passed away in Bandra, Maharashtra on 31st October 2019. Kir has written dozens of novels, stories, travelogues and children’s books. She also worked as an assistant editor of ‘Anuradha’ magazine for 10 years from 1968 to 1978. Kir has won several awards for her writings, which largely originated from her on-field experiences in labour colonies, residences of patients suffering from leprosy and tribal areas. Her recent book ‘Janmathep’ was based on her study of inmates at Pune’s Yerawada jail. 8. UNESCO has designated which Indian city as Creative City of Gastronomy? [A] Mumbai [B] Chennai [C] Hyderabad [D] Varanasi Answer: Hyderabad On the occasion of World Cities Day (WCD-2019), UNESCO has announced that Mumbai and Hyderabad have been designated as Creative City of Films and Creative City of Gastronomy, respectively. By joining the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN), the cities pledge to share their best practices and develop partnerships involving public and private sectors as well as civil society to strengthen creation, production, distribution and dissemination of cultural activities, goods and services. Beside this, Chennai and Varanasi are designated as UNESCO cities of music while Jaipur is the City of Crafts and Folk Arts. 9. On which date, the 2019 edition of World Thrift Day (WTD) is observed in India? [A] October 31 [B] October 30 [C] October 29 [D] October 28 Answer: October 31 The World Thrift Day (WTD) is celebrated every year on 31st October worldwide to promote savings and financial security of individual and nation as a whole. In India, due to death of late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on the same day in 1984 this day is being celebrated on 30th October. The day was established to inform people all around the world about the idea of saving their money in a bank rather than keeping it © 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 88 Current Affairs [PDF] - November 1-15, 2019 under their mattress or at home. 10. Who is leading the Indian delegation at the 35th ASEAN Summit? [A] Ram Nath Kovind [B] Venkaiah Naidu [C] Narendra Modi [D] Rajnath Singh Answer: Narendra Modi The 35th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit 2019 has started in Bangkok, Thailand on 1st of November with theme ‘Advancing Partnership for sustainability’. During 5-days summit East Asia summit (EAS) and Regional Comprehensive Economic Summit (RCEP) will be also held. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend this summit on 3rd and 4th November. The ASEAN is a group of 10 member countries that encourages political,economic and social co-operation in the region. The summit would discuss comprehensive and sustainable ASEAN economic development and s on negotiations related to the RCEP including market opening. The RCEP is a proposed Free Trade Agreement ( FTA) between the 10 members state of ASEAN and its partner countries. 11. Which IIT has decided to set up space technology cell in collaboration with ISRO? [A] IIT Delhi [B] IIT Kanpur [C] IIT Bombay [D] IIT Madras Answer: IIT Delhi IIT Delhi has decided to set up a space technology cell in collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). The cell would work for carrying out focused research projects in the space technology domain with specific deliverables. It is also proposed that IIT Delhi as an institute becomes academic partner of ISRO in research areas such as or example AI Artificial Intelligence, Nano- technology, functional textiles and smart manufacturing or any area of joint interest. 12. India’s first-ever Arts Exposition for talents with intellectual challenges “eCAPA 2019” has started in which city? [A] Kanpur [B] Kochi [C] Dehradun [D] New Delhi Answer: New Delhi India’s first-ever Arts Exposition for Artists blessed with Down Syndrome, Autism, Mental Retardation, Seizure Disorder and Dyslexia has started in New Delhi on 3rd November 2019. The “eCAPA 2019 – Art from the Heart” is a unique nationwide platform-cum social venture for such artists to showcase their visual and performing arts. The aim of this exposition is to create an exclusive platform to showcase the visual and performing art talents of young adults with intellectual challenges. It will also provide Divyang artists with opportunities to find mentors in the visiting artists and eminent masters of different crafts. This exposition will continue till 14th November at STIR Gallery, Chattarpur Farms. 13. Which city is hosting the UN Climate Change Conference (COP 25) after Chile withdraws? [A] New York [B] Paris [C] Madrid [D] New Delhi Answer: Madrid The Spanish capital city of Madrid will host the UN Climate Change Conference (COP 25) from 2nd to 13th December 2019. The decision was taken after Chile withdrew as host for the event due to the ongoing street protests in the South American country.