GK & Current Affairs Quiz: October 10, 2017

Which country is hosting the International Conference on Dialogue of Civilizations – IV?

[A] India
[B] Turkey
[C] Egypt
[D] China

Correct Answer: A [India ]

Answer Explanation: The International conference on “Dialogue of Civilizations – IV” has started from October 8 –15, 2017 at Delhi, Gandhinagar and Dholavira. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and Union Ministry of Culture are hosting the conference in collaboration with National Geographic Society (NGS). The purpose of the conference is to encourage scholarly and public discourse about the five ancient, literate civilizations of the world, i.e. Egypt, Mesopotamia, South Asia, China and Mesoamerica and how the study of the past can share our present and future towards the right direction. The present conference is the fourth in this series, with the final dialogue planned in Egypt.

Which IIT institute has signed a MoU with Samsung for digital academy?

[A] IIT-Bombay
[B] IIT-Madras
[C] IIT-Kharagpur
[D] IIT-Indore

Correct Answer: C [IIT-Kharagpur]

Answer Explanation: IIT-Kharagpur has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Samsung India for the setting up of a digital academy on the institute’s campus. The Department of Computer Science and Engineering in the institute will host the Samsung Innovation Lab and train students on the Internet of Things (IoT) through Tizen-based operating systems, commonly used by the company for its mobile phones and home appliances. The academy was a part of Samsung’s corporate social initiative that aims at bridging the digital divide in the country by imparting skills to students on cutting-edge technology, Through this partnership with IIT-KGP, the academy planned to train over 100 students in the next three years. The course would be taught over 14 weeks through classroom lectures, assignments, lab room sessions, self-study and mini projects.

Which state government has launched ‘Solar Briefcase’ to provide electricity in remote areas?

[A] Jharkhand
[B] Uttarakhand
[C] Uttar Pradesh
[D] Madhya Pradesh

Correct Answer: B [Uttarakhand]

Answer Explanation: The Uttarakhand Government and a charitable funding agency ‘Swan Cultural Center and Foundation’ launched ‘Solar Briefcase’ in Kedarnath Dham to provide electricity to far-flung areas in the hill state.

What is the India’s rank in the world’s most valuable nation brands, according to Brand Finance’s Nation Brands 2017 report?

[A] 7th
[B] 6th
[C] 10th
[D] 8th

Correct Answer: D [8th]

Answer Explanation: India has been ranked 8th out of 100 countries on a list of most valuable nation brands, according to Brand Finance’s Nation Brands 2017 report. The list is topped by US, followed by China, Germany, Japan and United Kingdom. In terms of valuation, India’s National Brand Value in 2017 is $2.04 trillion, down one percent from last year’s $2.06 trillion. However, India’s brand rating has improved from ‘AA-‘ to ‘AA’. Despite a rating improvement, India does not feature in the list of 10 best performing nation brands. Iceland topped the ‘Top 10 best performing nation brands’ list. Brand Finance measures the strength and value of the nation brands of 100 leading countries using a method based on the royalty relief mechanism employed to value the world’s largest companies.

Which union minister has inaugurated the first ‘BIMSTEC Disaster Management Exercise- 2017’ (BIMSTEC DMEx-2017)?

[A] Nirmala Sitharaman
[B] Narendra Modi
[C] Harsh Vardhan
[D] Rajnath Singh

Correct Answer: D [Rajnath Singh]

Answer Explanation: Rajnath Singh, the Union Home Minister, has inaugurated the first annual BIMSTEC Disaster Management Exercise- 2017 (BIMSTEC DMEx-2017) in New Delhi on October 10. The 4-day exercise is conducted by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) as the lead agency and its focus on testing the region’s preparedness and resilience towards effective activation of inter-Governmental interaction for immediate deployment of regional resources for disaster response. The main exercise will comprise of Table Top Exercise (TTX), Field Training Exercise (FTX) and After Action Review (AAR). The delegates from all 7 nations of the BIMSTEC grouping, – namely Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand are participating in the event.

The 5th edition of India Water Week (IWW-2017) has launched in which city?

[A] Lucknow
[B] New Delhi
[C] Ahmedabad
[D] Kolkata

Correct Answer: B [New Delhi]

Answer Explanation: President Ram Nath Kovind has inaugurated the 5th edition of India Water Week (IWW) on October 10 with theme “Water and Energy for Inclusive Growth” in New Delhi. The IWW is being held with a multi disciplinary conference and a concurrently running exhibition enriching the theme and showcasing the technologies and solutions available for the areas under deliberation of the meet. It will have the following major components: Water, food and energy security – essential requirement for sustainable development, water for inclusive growth, sustainable energy development – Key for all round economic growth and water and society. About 1500 delegates from India and 13 other countries are attending the 5-day international event.

What is the theme of the 2017 International Conference on Yoga?

[A] Yoga for life
[B] Yoga for holistic health
[C] Yoga for wellness
[D] Yoga for body and beyond

Correct Answer: C [Yoga for wellness]

Answer Explanation: M Venkaiah Naidu, the Vice President of India, has inaugurated the 3rd International Conference on Yoga in New Delhi with theme “Yoga for Wellness”on October 10, 2017. The 2-day conference is being organized by the Ministry of AYUSH as a part of year long events being organized to celebrate 21st June as International Day of Yoga. The conference consists of seven technical sessions and a panel discussion on different aspects of Yoga and Wellness including recent research trends, Integrated medicine, non communicable diseases, mental health, women health, cancer, pain management and policy making. Around 500 delegates, including those from 44 countries are attending the conference, which will provide a common platform for AYUSH and allopathy practitioners, researchers, academicians, and policy makers and students.

The Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary (AWS) is located in which state?

[A] Odisha
[B] Punjab
[C] Kerala
[D] Manipur

Correct Answer: C [Kerala ]

Answer Explanation: The Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary (AWS) is the northernmost wildlife sanctuary of Kerala and is spread over 55 square kilometres. It is home to a vast variety of flora and fauna endemic to the Western Ghats. Elephant, gaur, sambar, spotted deer, barking deer, Nilgiri langur, Hanuman langur, Malabar giant squirrel, etc can be seen here. This is one of the main production centres of hybrid coconut seeds in the country.

Which state has become the India’s first state to incorporate skill development programme in higher education?

[A] Himachal Pradesh
[B] Chattisgarh
[C] Punjab
[D] Rajasthan

Correct Answer: D [Rajasthan]

Answer Explanation: Rajasthan has become the India’s first state to incorporate skill development programme in higher education. In collaboration with IGNOU, the College Education department has prepared 16 courses for entrepreneurship and skill development for colleges in the state. Under the project, 12 certificates and 4 diploma courses will be run and each college will have to choose five courses.

Who will head the US-India Business Council (USIBC)?

[A] S Jaishankar
[B] Nisha Biswal
[C] Richard Verma
[D] Nikhil Chopra

Correct Answer: B [Nisha Biswal]

Answer Explanation: Nisha Biswal, a former state department official, will head the US-India Business Council (USIBC), a powerful advocacy group of US companies with business interest in India. She is expected to join on November 1, 2017. The USIBC is a part of the US Chamber of Commerce, the largest lobbying organisation in the country that wields real political power in Washington.

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GK & Current Affairs Quiz: October 8-9, 2017

Which Indian sportsperson has clinched the World Open Under-16 Snooker Championship-2017?

[A] Arantxa Sanchis
[B] Keerthana Pandian
[C] Anupama Ramachandran
[D] Anuja Thakur

Correct Answer: C [Anupama Ramachandran]

Answer Explanation: Anupama Ramachandran from India has clinched the World Open Under-16 Snooker Championship title at St. Petersburg in Russia on October 8, 2017. In the girls category, second seed Anupama knocked out her compatriot and top seed Keerthana Pandian in the final by 3-1 to become World Open Under-16 champion. Federation of Billiards Sports of Russia hosted this first ever World Open championships for Under-16 boys and girls. Dylan Emery of Wales has claimed the title in the boys category. Total 73 cueists from across the world have participated in this championship.

Who has won the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences 2017?

[A] George F. Loewenstein
[B] Colin F Camerer
[C] Stewart C. Myers
[D] Richard H. Thaler

Correct Answer: D [Richard H. Thaler]

Answer Explanation: The 2017 Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences has been awarded to Richard H. Thaler for his contributions to behavioural economics. Thaler is an US economist and the Ralph and Dorothy Keller Distinguished Service Professor of Behavioral Science and Economics at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. The Nobel Prize for Economics, worth 9 million kronor, will be presented in Oslo on December 10, 2017.

Who has won the 2017 men singles title at the Bulgarian International Future Series Tennis tournament?

[A] RMV Gurusaidutt
[B] Muhammed Ali Kurt
[C] Ramkumar Ramanathan
[D] Sumit Nagal

Correct Answer: A [RMV Gurusaidutt]

Answer Explanation: Commonwealth Games bronze medallist RMV Gurusaidutt has clinched the men’s singles title at the Bulgarian International Future Series tournament on October 9, 2017. Gurusaidutt, who has been out of action since the US Open in July 2016 due to an injury, defeated Muhammed Ali Kurt in the final by 21- 17, 21-16.

Which Indian personality has been conferred the ‘Cross of the Order of Merit’, the highest civilian honour of Germany?

[A] Aditya Mangal
[B] Rajesh Nath
[C] Deepak Chauhan
[D] Milind Gupta

Correct Answer: B [Rajesh Nath]

Answer Explanation: Rajesh Nath, the managing director of VDMA India, has been conferred the ‘Cross of the Order of Merit’, the highest civilian honour awarded to individuals for their services to Germany. The award, also known as Bundesverdienstkreuz or Federal Cross of Merit was instituted in 1951 and is Germany’s only honour that is awarded to both Germans and foreigners for achievements in the economic, social, political or intellectual realms.

Samiya Imad Farooqui has clinched gold at women’s singles U-15 Asian Junior Championship (AJC). She hails from which city?

[A] New Delhi
[B] Hyderabad
[C] Lucknow
[D] Jaipur

Correct Answer: B [Hyderabad]

Answer Explanation: Indian shuttler Samiya Imad Farooqui from Hyderabad has clinched gold at the Under-15 women’s singles competition after defeating Indonesia’s Widjaja Stephani at the Asian Junior Championship in Yangon, Myanmar on October 9, 2017. Earlier, P V Sindhu had won the gold in U-19 Asia Junior championship in 2012 at Gimcheon, South Korea.

The Melkote Temple Wildlife Sanctuary (MTWS) is located in which state?

[A] Karnataka
[B] Chhattisgarh
[C] Kerala
[D] Odisha

Correct Answer: A [Karnataka ]

Answer Explanation: The Melkote Temple Wildlife Sanctuary (MTWS) is located in Mandya district of Karnataka and is spread over 45.82 square kilometres. This sanctuary is primarily to house wolves. Other mammals found in this sanctuary include the jungle cat, leopard, bonnet macaque, langur and pangolin. Around 230 species of birds have been observed here over the years. The Sanctuary has been known for its once abundant Cycas circinalis species, which in the recent time has been over exploited by the flower decorators and local doctors.

President Ram Nath Kovind has launched Mata Amritanandamayi Math Project ‘Jeevamritham’ from which state?

[A] Mizoram
[B] Kerala
[C] Andhra Pradesh
[D] Karnataka

Correct Answer: B [Kerala]

Answer Explanation: President Ram Nath Kovind has launched Rs 100 crore Mata Amritanandamayi Math Project “Jeevamritham” in Kollam district of Kerala to provide the filtration system for cleaning drinking water to 5000 villages across India, in Kollam district in Kerala. The President also distributed the certificates to three village out of 12 villages in the States of Bihar, UP, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Chatisgarh, Uttarakand, Maharashtra and Kerala, which were adopted by the Math, verified as Open Defecation Free by Swatch Bharat Abhiyan.

Under ‘Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bhara’programme, which of the following states have signed MoU to boost cultural ties?

[A] Arunachal Pradesh, Kerala and Karnataka
[B] Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Meghalaya
[C] Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh
[D] Arunachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Meghalaya

Correct Answer: D [Arunachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Meghalaya]

Answer Explanation: Under ‘Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bhara’programme, Uttar Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to boost cultural ties. Under this, the states will connect with each other to know more about the culture, heritage and traditions of each other. The purpose of the programme is to actively enhance interaction between people of diverse cultures living in different states and union territories, with the objective of promoting greater mutual understanding among them.

Who has won the 2017 China Open Tennis tournament?

[A] Roger Federer
[B] Nick Kyrgios
[C] Rafael Nadal
[D] Novak Djokovic

Correct Answer: C [Rafael Nadal]

Answer Explanation: Rafael Nadal, a Spanish professional tennis player, has won the 2017 China Open Tennis tournament by defeating Nick Kyrgios in the final by 6-2, 6-1 in Beijing, China. It is his 6th ATP title of the year. Nadal’s six trophies this year include a record 10th title at the French Open and a third at the US Open.

Who has been chosen for the 2017 Vayalar Ramavarma Literacy award?

[A] Subhash Chandran
[B] U. K. Kumaran
[C] T D Ramakrishna
[D] K. R. Meera

Correct Answer: C [T D Ramakrishna]

Answer Explanation: T D Ramakrishnan has been chosen for the 2017 Vayalar Ramavarma Literary Prize for his novel “Sugandhi Enna Andal Devanayaki”. The 40th award ceremony will be held on 27th October 2017, the death anniversary of the late poet and lyricist Vayalar Ramavarma. The Vayalar Award is given for the best literary work in Malayalam. It carries a cash prize of Rs. 1 lakh, a citation, and a statuette designed by sculptor Kanayi Kunhiraman.

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GK & Current Affairs Quiz: October 7, 2017

The international exhibition ‘World Dental Show 2017’ has opened in which city?

[A] Mumbai
[B] New Delhi
[C] Chennai
[D] Kolkata

Correct Answer: A [Mumbai]

Answer Explanation: The 3-day international exhibition – ‘World Dental Show 2017’ has opened in Mumbai, Maharashtra  on October 6, 2017 to showcase the evolving global technologies and techniques in dentistry. The show will facilitate the exhibitors from across the globe to meet the ‘who is who’ in the Indian dental arena and provide them to use this platform to build networks of influence, launch new products and create awareness about new clinical claims. The exhibition, hosted by the Indian Dental Association (IDA), has witnessed participation from the international exhibitors from China, Germany, Israel, Malaysia, Russian Federation, South Korea, Taiwan, Turkey, UK and US.

Which state government has launched a mass marriage scheme ‘Mukhyamantri Samoohik Vivaah Yojana’ for BPL families?

[A] Assam
[B] Madhya Pradesh
[C] Rajasthan
[D] Uttar Pradesh

Correct Answer: D [Uttar Pradesh]

Answer Explanation: The Uttar Pradesh government has launched a mass marriage scheme ‘Mukhyamantri Samoohik Vivaah Yojana’. In it, the state government will spend Rs 35,000 on each couple, besides gifting them mobile phones and household items, and the social welfare department will conduct the mass marriages. The marriage programs regarding the scheme will be organized by urban local bodies like Nagar panchayat, Nagar Palika and Nagar Nigam, kshetra panchayats, Zila panchayats, overnment/semi-government organizations and NGOs, which will be authorized by district magistrates of respective districts. As per the scheme, the parents of the brides must be the residents of Uttar Pradesh and must belong to Below Poverty Line (BPL) families in order to avail the benefits of the scheme. There must be minimum 10 couples in the mass marriage ceremony.

Which city to host the first-ever conference of Partner NGOs?

[A] Pune
[B] Ahmedabad
[C] New Delhi
[D] Lucknow

Correct Answer: C [New Delhi]

Answer Explanation: The first-ever conference of Partner NGOs will be inaugurated by the Union Minister of Women & Child Development (MoWCD) Maneka Sanjay Gandhi in New Delhi on October 9, 2017. The subject of the conference is “Implementation of Policies, Schemes and Programmes for Women and Children: Challenges and Way Forward”. The aim of the conference is to sensitize partner NGOs across the country for the implementation of various WCD schemes and to give them an opportunity to share their experiences and insights. Approx 250 NGOs across the country, Line Ministries and experts will participate in the conference.

Who has become the first person from India to win Anna Politkovskaya Award?

[A] Rajdev Ranjan
[B] Gauri Lankesh
[C] Tarun Kumar Acharya
[D] M. V. N. Shankar

Correct Answer: B [Gauri Lankesh]

Answer Explanation: Kannada journalist Gauri Lankesh, who was shot dead in Bengaluru on September 5, 2017, has been awarded a prestigious global Anna Politkovskaya Award, which is given in the memory of a slain Russian reporter and political activist. With this, she became the first person from India to receive the honour. Lankesh shared the award with Gulalai Ismail, a Pakistani peace activist who has faced death threats for speaking out against the Taliban. The award marks the 11th anniversary of the killing of Anna Politkovskaya, a Russian investigative reporter and activist who uncovered state corruption and rights abuses, especially in Chechnya. The award is presented annually by Reach All Women in War (the RAW in WAR organisation) and honours women human rights defenders from around the world.

Kundan Shah, who passed away recently, was the renowned personality of which field?

[A] Journalism
[B] Sports
[C] Film Industry
[D] Politics

Correct Answer: C [Film Industry]

Answer Explanation: Filmmaker Kundan Shah (69), the director of the romantic drama ‘Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa’, has passed away in Mumbai on October 7. He is most known for his comedy classic ‘Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro’ and his 1985–1986, TV series Nukkad with Saeed Akhtar Mirza. He will be remembered for his wonderful usage of humour and satire to showcase the life & struggles of common citizens.

The Union government has set up a study group to examine the problems of people along IB, LOC in J&K. Who will head the team?

[A] Rina Mitra
[B] Sunil Ajmera
[C] Ajit Doval
[D] Rajiv Kumar

Correct Answer: A [Rina Mitra]

Answer Explanation: The Union Government has set up a study group to examine the problems being faced by the people living near the International Border (IB) and the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) due to ever-present threat of cross-border firing from Pakistan. The group will meet people living in the border areas of Jammu and Kashmir, security forces deployed there, district administration officials and local public representatives and submit its report within two months. Special secretary in the home ministry Rina Mitra will head the team. The study group will look into broadly three issues – demand for land for relocation in case of shelling, construction of more bunkers and compensation issues related to shelling. The panel will prepare a detailed report on the issues being faced by the people living near the IB and the LoC and submit recommendations. India shares a 3,323-km long border with Pakistan of which 221 km IB and 740 km LoC fall in J&K.

The 2017 Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN). Where is the headquarters of ICAN?

[A] London
[B] New York
[C] Warsaw
[D] Geneva

Correct Answer: D [Geneva]

Answer Explanation: The 2017 Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) for its work to draw attention to the catastrophic humanitarian consequences of any use of nuclear weapons and for its ground-breaking efforts to achieve a treaty-based prohibition of such weapons. The ICAN is a coalition of non-governmental organisations from over 100 countries around the globe. The headquarters of ICAN is located in Geneva, Switzerland. The purpose of the ICAN is to promote adherence to and full implementation of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. The Nobel Peace Prize, worth 9 million Swedish crowns ($1.10 million), will be presented in Oslo on December 10, 2017.

The Bori Wildlife Sanctuary (BWS) is located in which state?

[A] Chhattisgarh
[B] Madhya Pradesh
[C] Maharashtra
[D] Rajasthan

Correct Answer: B [Madhya Pradesh]

Answer Explanation: The Bori Wildlife Sanctuary (BWS) is located in in Hoshangabad District of Madhya Pradesh and covers an area of 518 square kilometers. It is an important transition zone between the forests of western and eastern India. The sanctuary is mostly covered in mixed deciduous and bamboo forests, part of the Eastern Highlands moist deciduous forests eco-region. It is home to tiger, leopard, wild boar, muntjac deer, gaur, chital deer, etc.

Who has been appointed by the Supreme Court (SC) as amicus curiae on plea seeking re-probe of Mahatma Gandhi assassination?

[A] J S Khehar
[B] Arun Kumar Mishra
[C] Ranjan Gogoi
[D] Amrender Sharan

Correct Answer: D [Amrender Sharan]

Answer Explanation: The Supreme Court of India (SCI) has appointed senior advocate and former additional solicitor general Amrender Sharan as amicus curiae on a petition seeking reprobe into the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi. The matter is posted for further hearing on October 30, 2017. The petition filed by Mumbai-based Dr. Pankaj Phadnis , a researcher and a trustee of Abhinav Bharat, has sought reopening of the probe on several grounds, claiming it was one of the biggest cover-ups in history. According to petition, there is possibility of involvement of more people in the murder. Mahatma Gandhi was shot dead at point blank range in New Delhi on January 30, 1948 by Nathuram Vinayak Godse, a right-wing advocate of Hindu nationalism.

What is the theme of the 2017 India Water Week (IWW)?

[A] Water for Inclusive Growth
[B] Water and Energy for Inclusive Growth
[C] Water and Society
[D] Water for all: Striving together

Correct Answer: B [Water and Energy for Inclusive Growth]

Answer Explanation: President Ram Nath Kovind will inaugurate the 5th edition of India Water Week (IWW) on October 10 with theme “Water and Energy for Inclusive Growth” in New Delhi. About 1500 delegates from India and 13 other countries will attend the five day international event. The event will be celebrated with a multi-disciplinary conference and a concurrently running exhibition enriching the theme and showcasing the technologies and solutions available for the areas under deliberation of the meet. The event will have the many major components like water, food and energy security – essential requirement for sustainable development, water for inclusive growth, sustainable energy development – Key for all round economic growth and water and society.

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