41. Name the 2nd edition of the 11-day exercise between Indian Air Force (IAF) and Russian Federation Aerospace Force (RFSAF) that commenced at Air Force Station Jodhpur, on 10th December 2018?
1) INDRAAIR 2018
2) AIRINDRA 2018
3) AVIAINDRA 2018
4) AVIONICS 2018
5) None of these
Answer – 3) AVIAINDRA 2018
Explanation:
On December 10, 2018, 11-day long AVIAINDRA 2018, the 2nd edition of exercise between Indian Air Force (IAF) and Russian Federation Aerospace Force (RFSAF), commenced at Air Force Station Jodhpur. It would conclude on 21 December 2018. The exercise would be conducted in 2 phases and is unique in nature, wherein the foreign participant does not bring its air assets. The inaugural IAF-RFSAF Ex AVIAINDRA was conducted in 2014.
42. Which district became the 23rd district of Arunachal Pradesh on 9th December 2018? 1) Shi Yomi
2) Min Shu
3) Sei Jong
4) Jeo Rada
5) None of these
Answer – 1) Shi Yomi
Answer – 1) Shi Yomi
Explanation:
On December 9, 2018, Arunachal Pradesh got Shi Yomi as its 23rd district after its inauguration by Chief Minister Pema Khandu in presence ofUnion Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju. The district, consisting of four circles — Mechuka, Pidi, Tato and Monigong — was carved out of West Siang district. This including two other districts-Pakke-Kesang, Lepa Rada– was created after the approval of District Re-Organisation Bill, 2018 on August 29, 2018. The Pakke-Kessang district was carved out of East Kameng district with five administrative units namely Pakke-Kessang, Seijosa, Pijiriang, Passa Valley and Dissing Passo with district headquarters at Lemmi. Lepa Rada was created by bifurcating the Lower Siang district with headquarters at Basar with four administrative units – Tirbin, Basar, Daring and Sago.
43. Which politician will be awarded as “Best Woman Parliamentarian – Rajya Sabha” by Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu, in New Delhi, on 13th December 2018?
1) Sushma Swaraj
2) Vasundhara Raje
3) Mamta Banerjee
4) Kanimozhi
5) None of these Answer – 4) Kanimozhi
Explanation:
On 13th December 2018, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) Member of Parliament (MP), Kanimozhi will be awarded as “Best Woman Parliamentarian – Rajya Sabha” by the Vice-President of India, M. Venkaiah Naidu at Dr. Ambedkar International Center in New Delhi. A 10-member board of Jury of eminent personalities headed by Murali Manohar Joshi selected Kanimozhi for the award presented by Lokmat Group of Newspaper. She has been awarded for her outstanding Contribution in Parliament and Strengthening Democratic Values and Principles for Several Decades.
44. Which Indian cricketer became the first Indian Captain to win a Test in South Africa, England and Australia, on 10th December 2018?
1) Rohit Sharma
2) Virat Kohli
3) Mahendra Singh Dhoni
4) Shikhar Dawan
5) None of these Answer – 2) Virat Kohli
Explanation:
On 10th December 2018, Indian Skipper Virat Kohli became the first Indian Captain to win a Test in South Africa, England and Australia after defeating Australia by 31 runs in the First Test Match of the Four Match Test Series at Adelaide. Former Indian Captains Rahul Dravid and MS Dhoni won Test matches as Captains in England and South Africa but not in Australia. Out of 43 Tests, India has won 25 Tests in Kohli’s Captaincy. After this win India became the Second Asian Country after Pakistan to win the Opening Test of a Series in Australia. The last Test India won in Australia was at the WACA Ground in Perth in 2008 under the Captaincy of Anil Kumble.
45. The 14-day 7th Sino-India joint exercise Hand-in-Hand 2018,between India and China commenced at
____, on 10th December 2018? 1) Arunachal Pradesh, India
2) Chengdu, China
3) Wuhan, China
4) Sikkim, China
5) None of these
Answer – 2) Chengdu, China
Explanation:
On December 10, 2018, the 14-day 7th Sino-India joint exercise Hand-in-Hand 2018, commenced at Chengdu, China. It will conclude on December 23, 2018. The Indian contingent consists of 11 SHIKKLI led by Col Puneet Pratap Singh Tomar, Commanding Officer, 11 SIKHLI. The Chienese contingent consists of a regiment from Tibetan Military District of People’s Liberation Army (PLA) led by Col Zhou Jun. Major General Kuang Dewang, senior representative of joint training from PLA. The aim of the exercise is to build and promote close relations between armies of both the countries. The exercise will involve tactical level operations in an international counter insurgency/ counter terrorism environment under UN mandate.
46. Government of India and which bank signed a loan agreement of 31 million dollars to develop Tourism and boost Jobs in Tamil Nadu, on 11th December 2018?
1) Asian Development Bank (ADB)
2) Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)
3) World Bank
4) European Investment Bank
5) None of these
Answer – 1) Asian Development Bank (ADB)
Explanation:
On December 11, 2018, Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a loan agreement of 31 million dollars in New Delhi to develop Tourism and boost Jobs in Tamil Nadu. It was signed by: Additional Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Sameer Kumar Khare and Mr. Kenichi Yokoyama, Country Director for ADB in India. This was a tranche 4 loan for Infrastructure Development Investment Program for Tourism (IDIPT) for Tamil Nadu. The total cost of the project is $44.04 million, of which the Government will provide $13.04 million. The estimated completion date of the project is June 2020.
47. Who became the first-ever recipient of the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Coach of the Year Award, on 11thDecember 2018?
1) Sascha Bajin
2) Petra Kvitora
3) Bethani Mattek-Sands
4) Ashley Peterson
5) None of these
Answer – 1) Sascha Bajin
Explanation:
On December 11, 2018, Sascha Bajin, coach of the world number five Naomi Osaka, became the first-ever recipient of the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Coach of the Year Award. Under his guidance, Osaka won her career first WTA title at the Paribas Open (Indian Wells) and claimed her maiden Grand Slam title at the US Open after defeating American tennis ace Serena Williams. He also served as a Gold Member of the newly implemented WTA Coach Program.
48. Name the Indian Railway employee who has been conferred the Sahitya Akademi Award 2018 for his novel “Marom” in Santhali language?
1) Anuj Kumar
2) Shyam Sundar Besra
3) Sajin Vohra
4) Ram Nath Bhalla
5) None of these
Answer – 2) Shyam Sundar Besra
Explanation:
Shri Shyam Sundar Besra, Chief Inspector of Ticket working in Asansol Division of Eastern Railway has been conferred the coveted Sahitya Akademi Award 2018. He has been awarded for his novel “Marom” in Santhali language which is primarily based upon natural, social, economic and political conditions of Santhal Pargana. The novel highlights the situation emerged after the two main industrial development of the Santhal area after Independence i.e Masanjore Dam at Dumka and Railway locomotive workshop at Chittaranjan. Which Indian power station created a world record for the longest uninterrupted operation for 941 days, on 10thDecember 2018?
1) Bokaro Power Station-1, Jharkhand
2) Kaiga Power Station-1, Karnataka
3) Durgapur Power Station-2, West Bengal
4) Barauni Power Station-2, Bihar
5) None of these
Answer – 2) Kaiga Power Station-1, Karnataka
Explanation:
On 10th December 2018, Karnataka’s Kaiga Power Station-1 has created a world record for the longest uninterrupted operation for 941 days, thereby breaking the earlier record of 940 days by the United Kingdom. Heysham-2 Unit-8 of the U.K. had held the earlier record of the longest uninterrupted operation (940 days) among all nuclear power reactors (of all technologies) in the world. Kaiga Generating Station (KGS-1) equalled the world record on Sunday and broke it on Monday, thus creating history. While KGS-1 is a Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR), Heysham-2 Unit-8 is an Advanced Gas Cooled Reactor (AGR).
50. Name NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)’s probe that became the second human-made object in history to reach the edge of our solar system, on 10th December 2018?
1) Voyager 2
2) Soyus 3
3) Galaxy 2
4) Star Rider 2
5) None of these
Answer – 1) Voyager 2
Explanation:
On 10th December 2018, NASA’s Voyager 2 probe became the second human-made object in history to reach the edge of our solar system i.e., the Interstellar space- the space between the stars. Voyager 2 probe now has exited the heliosphere – the protective bubble of particles and magnetic fields created by the Sun. Its twin, Voyager 1, crossed this boundary in 2012, but Voyager 2 launched 41 years ago in 1977, carries a working instrument that will provide first-of-its-kind observations of the nature of this gateway into interstellar space. Voyager 2 now is slightly more than 18 billion kilometres away from the Earth. Voyager 2 is the only spacecraft to have visited all four gas giant planets — Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune and discovered 16 moons, as well as phenomena like Neptune’s mysteriously transient Great Dark Spot, the cracks in Europa’s ice shell, and ring features at every planet.
51. Asian Development Bank (ADB) in its supplement report “Asian Development Outlook (2018)” has retained India’s growth forecast at ____% for FY19 and 7.6% for FY20?
1) 7.5 %
2) 7.3 %
3) 7.7 %
4) &.2 %
5) None of these Answer – 2) 7.3 %
Explanation:
On 12th December 2018, Asian Development Bank (ADB) in its supplement report “Asian Development Outlook (2018)” has retained India’s FY19 growth forecast at 7.3% and 7.6% in FY20 despite downside risks posed by stress in the non-banking sector, limited fiscal space as well as escalating trade tensions. The country’s GDP growth moderated to 7.1 per cent in second quarter of 2018-19 from 8.2 percent in the first quarter, averaging 7.6 per cent growth in the first half. India is maintaining growth momentum on rebounding exports and higher industrial and agricultural output. The slowdown came mainly from weak food prices, dampening rural consumption, higher oil prices delivering a negative shock in the terms of trade, and rising costs for raw materials.
52. Who was appointed as the 25th Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), on 11th December 2018? 1) Ravi Handa
2) Shaktikanta Das
3) S Krishnamoorthy
4) Arjun Rishab
5) None of these
Answer – 2) Shaktikanta Das
Explanation:
On 11th December 2018, Shaktikanta Das, former Economics Affairs Secretary appointed as 25th Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). He succeeded Urjit Patel after he resigned from the post on 10th December 2018. Das is former Economic Affairs Secretary from 2015 to 2017, worked closely with the central bank. He is currently a member of the Finance Commission of India, and the government’s representative at the Group of 20 summits. Urjit Patel resigned as the Governor of India’s central bank citing personal reasons amid tensions between the government and the RBI over issues related to governance and autonomy of the central bank.
53. The Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a ____ dollar loan agreement to reduce floods and riverbank erosion in flood prone areas along the Brahmaputra river in Assam, on 13th December 2018?
1) $60 million
2) $40 million
3) $50 million
4) $70 million
5) None of these
Answer – 1) $60 million
Explanation:
On 13th December 2018, the Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a $60 million loan agreement to reduce floods and the riverbank erosion in flood prone areas along the Brahmaputra river in Assam. The loan is part of the 120 million dollars multi-tranche financing facility (MFF) for the Assam integrated Flood and Riverbank Erosion Risk Management Investment Program approved by ADB in October 2010. The Program will fund a combination of structural and nonstructural measures in the three subproject areas of Palasbari-Gumi, Kaziranga, and Dibrugarh along the Brahmaputra river which include 20 km of riverbank protection works and upgrading of 13 km of flood embankments.
54. Who became the first ever Indian Table Tennis player to be awarded the ‘Breakthrough Table Tennis Star’ award, at the 2018 International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Star Awards, held in Korea, on 12th December 2018?
1) Manika Batra
2) Soumyajith Ghosh
3) Poulomi Ghatak
4) Mouma Das
5) None of these
Answer – 1) Manika Batra
Explanation:
On December 12, 2018, the 2018 International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Star Awards were held at the Grand Hyatt hotel in Incheon, Korea. Manika Batra became the first ever Indian Table Tennis player to be awarded the ‘Breakthrough Table Tennis Star’ award.
55. Who was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Telangana for the second term, on 13th December 2018? 1) Chandrababu Naidu
2) K. Chandrashekhar Rao
3) E.S.L. Narasimhan
4) R Mahendra Reddy
5) None of these
Answer – 2) K. Chandrashekhar Rao
Explanation:
On 13th December 2018 Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) President K. Chandrashekhar Rao was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Telangana for the second term by Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan at a ceremony held at Raj Bhawan
in Hyderabad. Party Member of Legislative Council Mohammed Mehmood Ali, who was deputy chief minister in the previous TRS government, took oath as a minister along with Rao. In the recently concluded assembly election the TRS won 88 seats in the 119-member assembly, defeating the Congress-led ‘Praja Kutami’. This was the first Assembly elections in India’s youngest state because the last elections were held in united Andhra Pradesh in 2014.
56. Which country announced the installation of the world’s first “floating” nuclear power plant (FNPP), on 11thDecember 2018?
1) China
2) Japan
3) Russia
4) United States of America
5) None of these Answer – 3) Russia
Explanation:
On December 11, 2018, Russian state-run atomic energy corporation Rosatom announced commencement of installation of Akademik Lomonosov, the world’s first “floating” nuclear power plant (FNPP). It has a capacity of 70MW and is equipped with two reactors of 35MW each. The life span of the project is 40 years, with the possibility of being extended up to 50 years. After the completion of tests in March 2019, in the second half of 2019, the FNPP will be transported to its final destination to the port of Pevek in Russia’s extreme north-eastern region of Chukotka. It will then replace the existing Bilibino Nuclear Power Plant and the Chaunskaya coal-fired power plant. It will be used to maintain both uninterruptible power and plentiful desalinated water supply in remote areas. This project will help the grid-isolated Russian Arctic regions.
57. Global financial technology company OBOPAY, announced the launch of a new generation pre-payment instrument called OBOPAY Card in partnership with Mastercard and which bank, on 14th December 2018? 1) Axis Bank
2) Canara Bank
3) Federal Bank
4) ICICI Bank
5) None of these
Answer – 3) Federal Bank
Explanation:
On December 14, 2018, OBOPAY, the global financial technology company, announced the launch of a new generation pre-payment instrument called- OBOPAY Card-in partnership with Federal Bank and Mastercard. It is built as a one-stop solution that facilitates easy disbursements and payments by enterprises. The highlights of the card include:
• The multi-wallet facility that allows dedicated payments and allocation of money for various purposes,
• The ‘Split transaction’ feature which provides payment flexibility to users and multiple payment scenarios among many others.
• Card to card money transfer, making online payments, withdrawing cash at ATMs.
58. Which company won the Prime Minister’s Trophy for the ‘Best Performing Integrated Steel Plant’ in India for the performance year 2016-17?
1) Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL)
2) Tata Steel Limited
3) JSW Steel Limited
4) Essar Steel Limited
5) None of these
Answer – 2) Tata Steel Limited
Explanation:
On 13th December 2018, Tata Steel Limited had been declared as the winner of the Prime Minister’s Trophy for the ‘Best Performing Integrated Steel Plant’ in the country for the performance year 2016-17 making it the fourth consecutive year for Tata Steel being honoured with this coveted award. Along with the trophy a cash award of Rs. 2 crore was also given to the company. Having won the PM’s Trophy 11 times and receiving the Certificate for Excellence twice, Tata Steel has been recognized as the best integrated steel plant 13 times, since the inception of this award in 1992-93. The performance of the plants is judged by a Panel of Judges headed by Secretary (Steel)
and with members from eminent technologists, management experts, trade union leaders, economists, consumers of iron & steel according to a scheme drawn up by an expert committee.
59. Which state has been selected by the Union Ministry of Agriculture for “Krishi Karman” award in the rice category, that will be awarded in February 2019?
1) West Bengal
2) Kerala
3) Jharkhand
4) Karnataka
5) None of these
Answer – 3) Jharkhand Explanation:
On 13th December 2018, the Union Ministry of Agriculture had selected Jharkhand for “Krishi Karman” award in the rice category. The award which carries a cash prize worth Rs 2 crore and a citation will be given away in February 2019 by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. As a gesture of appreciation to the farmers of the state for achieving the milestone, two progressive farmers, i.e. one male and one female, would also be given ‘Agriculture Minister’s Krishi Karman Award”. Each of the farmers would receive a cash award of Rs 2 lakh along with citation.
60. When was National Energy Conservation Day 2018 celebrated throughout India? 1) December 12
2) December 14
3) December 9
4) December 11
5) None of these
Answer – 2) December 14
Explanation:
On 14th December 2018, National Energy Conservation Day 2018 was celebrated throughout the country under the aegis of the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), under Ministry of Power. The objective to celebrate the National Energy Conservation Day is to drive mass awareness about the importance of energy efficiency and conservation. National Energy Conservation Day’ was celebrated for the first time on December 14, 1991 when the National Energy Conservation Awards were given away to industries for reducing energy consumption. The annual awards recognize innovation and achievements in energy conservation by the industries, buildings, zonal railways, state designated agencies; manufacturers of BEE star labeled appliances, electricity distribution companies and municipalities.
61.Which state has become the first state in India to enact a law banning sexual exploitation of women by those in positions of authority, having a fiduciary relationship or a public servant?
1) Maharashtra
2) Telangana
3) Haryana
4) Jammu and Kashmir
5) None of these
Answer – 4) Jammu and Kashmir
Explanation:
On 14th December 2018, Jammu and Kashmir became the first state in the country to enact a law banning sexual exploitation of women “by those in positions of authority, having a fiduciary relationship or a public servant”. The decision in this regard was taken by Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Council (SAC) headed by Governor Satya Pal Malik by approving the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill, 2018, and the Jammu and Kashmir Criminal Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2018. The Jammu and Kashmir Criminal Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2018 seeks to amend the Ranbir Penal Code (RPC)-a criminal code, whereby specific offence under section 354 E is being inserted to provide for the offence of ‘Sextortion’. ‘Sextortion’ is a physical or non-physical form to extort sexual favours. People entrusted with power use ‘sextortion’ in a form of ‘corruption’.
62.Where did Union Railways Minister Piyush Goyal and Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani dedicate India’s first National Rail and Transportation Institute (NRTI), on 15th December 2018?
1) Vadodara, Gujarat
2) Nagpur, Maharashtra
3) Chennai, Tamil Nadu
4) Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
5) None of these
Answer – 1) Vadodara, Gujarat
Explanation:
On December 15, 2018, Union Railways Minister Piyush Goyal and Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani dedicated the nation’s first National Rail and Transportation Institute (NRTI) in Vadodara, Gujarat. It is India’s first and world’s 3rd railway university after Russia and China. The Vice-Chancellor of the university is Ashwani Lohani who is the Chairman of the Railway Board of India. The Minstry of Railways had sanctioned Rs. 421 crore for the upcoming 5 years for the operation of the project. It has been built on 110 acres of land at Pipaliya village in Waghodiya Taluka, District Vadodara.
63.President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, dedicated the Advanced Centre for Agricultural Research and Education (ACARE) and Rice Bio-Park at the in Yezin Agricultural University, to the people of which country, on 12th December 2018?
1) South Korea
2) Nepal
3) Bangladesh
4) Myanmar
5) None of these
Answer – 4) Myanmar Explanation:
On December 12, 2018, the President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind paid his visit to the Advanced Centre for Agricultural Research and Education (ACARE) at the Yezin Agricultural University in Nay Pyi Taw. Here, he dedicated the Advanced Centre for Agricultural Research and Education to the people of Myanmar. It was established under the Bilateral Friendship Project and is funded by Government of India. The programme is run by Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI). The project focuses on genetics, post-harvest technology, participatory knowledge management and capacity building for farmers in Myanmar. He also dedicated a Rice Bio-Park in Yezin Agricultural University to the people of Myanmar. Projects under the park are undertaken by the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, funded by the Ministry of External Affairs. The projects are aimed at ensuring optimal use and value addition of the gamut of bio-sources in a rice farm, including rice straw and rice husk. He also launched a mobile app for farmers in Myanmar.
64.Which country will host the 2020 Asia cricket cup, as approved by Asian Cricket Council (ACC)?
1) Afghanistan
2) Pakistan
3) Sri Lanka
4) Bangladesh
5) None of these
Answer – 2) Pakistan Explanation:
On 13th December 2018, The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) awarded the hosting rights of the 2020 Asia cup to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in a meeting held in Bangladesh Capital Dhaka. Pakistan will host the 2020 Asia cricket cup. The Decision was taken by ACC President Nazmul Hassan Papon but the final venue of the event is still unclear over whether it will be played in UAE or Pakistan.
65.Who was crowned as Miss India Worldwide 2018 at 27th annual global pageant held in the Fords City of New Jersey, United States, on 15th December 2018?
1) Sakshi Sinha
2) Shree Saini
3) Anusha Sareen
4) Roopa Hebbar
5) None of these
Answer – 2) Shree Saini
Explanation:
On December 15,2018, Indian-American Shree Saini has been crowned Miss India Worldwide 2018 at 27th annual global pageant held in the Fords City of New Jersey. It is Organised by the New York-based India Festival Committee (IFC). Sakshi Sinha from Australia was declared as the first runner up and Anusha Sareen from United Kingdom declared as the second runner up.
66.Indian Film Producer _____ was honoured with the French Knight of the National Order of Merit for his contribution to the world of cinema and Indo-French film industry, on 14th December 2018?
1) Rishi Kapoor
2) Ashok Amritraj
3) Vishal Chakraborthy
4) Mahesh Bhatt
5) None of these
Answer – 2) Ashok Amritraj
Explanation:
On December 14,2018,Producer Ashok Amritraj was honoured with the French Knight of the National Order of Merit for his contribution to the world of cinema and Indo-French film industry. The award was presented to him at the Closing ceremony of 2 day Indo-French Professional Meeting for the Film and Television Industry held in Mumbai, India. He had Produced Hollywood Films such as Ghost Rider:Spirit of Vengeance with Nicholas Cage and 99 Homes starring Andrew Garfield.
67.Name Sri Lanka’s ousted Prime Minister who was sworn into office again, two months after being removed by the President Maithripala Sirisena, on 16th December 2018?
1) Ranil Wickremesinghe
2) Mahinda Rajapaksha
3) Arjuna Ranatunga
4) Sanath Jayasuriya
5) None of these
Answer – 1) Ranil Wickremesinghe
Explanation:
On 16th December 2018, Sri Lanka’s ousted Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe was sworn into office again, two months after being removed by the President Maithripala Sirisena, thus bringing an end to weeks-long political crisis in the country. Mr. Wickremsinghe was removed as Prime minister on October 26 and was replaced by Mahinda Rajapaksa who resigned on 15th December after failing to garner majority in Parliament. Mr. Wickremsinghe has been sworn in as Prime minister for the 5th time, creating a record in Sri Lanka. The reinstatement Mr. Wickremsinghe came after the Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court ruled that President Sirisena had acted illegally in November by dissolving the Parliament before it completed its four-and-a-half year term, thus rejecting the Sirisena’s attempts to hold snap elections in early January. The court later said Mahinda Rajapaksa should not exercise the powers of the office and ordered his resignation, seven weeks after he was appointed as the Prime Minister.
68.Which cricketer became the second fastest player to score 25 Test Centuries after scoring 123 runs on the third day of the Second Test against Australia at Perth, on 16th December 2018?
1) Shikhar Dawan
2) Virat Kohli
3) Rohit Sharma
4) Prithvi Shaw
5) None of these
Answer – 2) Virat Kohli Explanation:
On 16th December 2018, Indian Cricket Team captain Virat Kohli became the second fastest player to score 25 Test Centuries after scoring 123 runs on the third day of Second Test against Australia at Perth. Virat Kohli is only behind of former Australian captain and cricketing legend Sir Don Bradman. Virat Kohli also equalled Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 6 Test Centuries in Australia.
69.Who became the first Indian to win gold in the Badminton World Federation (BWF) World Tour, at the BWF World Tour 2018, that was held in Tianhe, Guangzhou, China, from 12th to 16th December 2018?
1) Saina Nehwal
2) PV Sindhu
3) Ashwini Ponnappa
4) Jwala Gutta
5) None of these
Answer – 2) PV Sindhu Explanation:
World Tour Finals 2018 concluded in Tianhe,Guangzhou, China.It was the final tournament of the 2018 BWF World Tour.It was inaugurated from 12th December 2018.The total Prize of the Championship is $1,500,000. Rio Olympics Silver medallist PV Sindhu,became the first Indian to win gold in the Badminton World Federation (BWF) World Tour.She defeated Japanese Nozomi Okuhara, to claim the top honours of the season-ending event and her first title of the year.With the win, Sindhu also equaled her head-to-head record with Okuhara to 6-6.
Event
Winner
Runner
Men’s Singles
Shi Yuqi(China)
Kento Momota (Japan)
Women’s Singles
P. V. Sindhu(India)
Nozomi Okuhara (Japan)
Men’s Doubles
Li Junhui and Liu Yuchen(China)
Hiroyuki Endo and Yuta
Watanabe(Japan)
Women’s Doubles
Misaki Matsutomo and Ayaka
Lee So-hee and Shin Seung-chan(South
Takahashi(Japan)
Korea)
Mixed Doubles
Wang Yilü and Huang Dongping(China)
Zheng Siwei and Huang Yaqiong(China)
70.Which District Court has become the first court in India to allow e-payments of court fee, judicial deposits, fines and penalties?
1) Indore District Court
2) Mangaluru District Court
3) Visakhapatnam District Court
4) Pune District Court
5) None of these
Answer – 4) Pune District Court
Explanation:
On 15th December 2018, Pune District court became the first court in India to allow e-payments of court fee, judicial deposits, fines and penalties, the facility which will be eventually available across all courtrooms in the country to bring transparency to cash transactions. The Pune district court administration is starting the e-payment facility in the Shivajinager district and sessions court. The move in which all the e-payments will be collected at–pay.ecourt.gov.in/epay would also help to end the long queues on court premises to pay cash. The court administration has tied up with State Bank of India (SBI) for the purpose in which civil lawyers and litigants can make payments online round the clock and there will be no additional bank charges for payments up to Rs 2,000. The person making the e-payment will get a unique case number record (CNR) which will remain the same till matter is disposed of. Chief justice of Bombay High Court RK Menon officially inaugurated the E-payment system.
71.Who won the Miss Universe 2018 title at the Miss Universe 2018 event, held in Thailand, on 16th December 2018?
1) Tamaryn Green
2) Catriona Elisa Gray
3) Angela Ponce
4) Nehal Chudasama
5) None of these
Answer – 2) Catriona Elisa Gray
Explanation:
On December 16 2018,Miss Universe 2018 was held at Muang Thong Thani, Pak Kret, Thailand. The 24-year-old
Filipino-Australian beauty Catriona Elisa Gray from Philippines bagged Miss Universe 2018 title.There are totally 93 contestants from various were participated in this contest. She was crowned by Miss Universe 2017 Demi Leigh Nel-Peters of South Africa. Tamaryn Green, a medical student from South Africa became first runner up and Sthefany Guterrez from Venezuela studying to be a lawyer became second runner-up. Spain’s Angela Ponce made history as the first transgender woman to compete with other contestant for the title of Miss Universe. India’s Nehal Chudasama failed to enter it to the Top 20 of the Miss Universe 2018.This show hosted by Emmy Award-winning Steve Harvey.
72.Name the person who has been elected as the new President of FICCI (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry) for the year 2018-19?
1) Sangeetha Reddy
2) Shadja Chaudhary
3) Sandip Somany
4) Chaitanya Prasad
5) None of these
Answer – 3) Sandip Somany
Explanation:
On December 17 2018 ,Sanitary ware firm HSIL(Hindustan Sanitaryware and Industries Ltd)’s CMD Sandip Somany has been elected as the new President of FICCI( Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry) for the year 2018-19 during its 91st annual general meeting. Sangita Reddy,a current Joint Managing Director Apollo Hospitals has been elevated as Ficci Senior Vice President for next year, while Uday Shankar , current the Chairman and CEO of Star India and President of 21st Century Fox Asia-Pacific for Asia has joined the chamber as Vice President.
73.Which country won their First Men’s Hockey World Cup Championship at the 14th edition of the Hockey World Cup, held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, from 28th November to 16th December 2018?
1) Belgium
2) France
3) India
4) Netherlands
5) None of these
Answer – 1) Belgium Explanation:
On December 16,2018, Belgium defeated Netherland in Shoot Out Match and won their First Men’s Hockey World Cup Championship,which is 14th edition of the Hockey World Cup.This is the third time India is hosting the Men’s Hockey world Cup and First time it is held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.The Championship is held from 28th November 2018.It is organized by International Hockey Federation(FIH). Mascot: Turtle ‘Olly’ is the official Mascot of the Championship. Belgium won the tournament for the first time after defeating the Netherlands 3–2 in the final on a penalty shoot-out after a 0–0 draw.Australia won the third place by defeating England 8–1.
74.Name the state that received Geographical Indication (GI) Tag for its sweet delicacy named ‘Silao Khaja’, on 11thDecember 2018?
1) Assam
2) Bihar
3) Andhra Pradesh
4) West Bengal
5) None of these
Answer – 2) Bihar Explanation:
On 11th December 2018, the traditional delicacy of Nalanda district of Bihar, Silao Khaja which is popular among the tourists visiting Buddhist sites of Rajgir and Nalanda was granted GI tag by Geographical Indications Registry at Chennai. The application to obtain GI Tag was filed by Silao Khaja Audyogik Swavalambi Sahakari Simiti Limited, Bihar. Silao Khaja is a crisp, multi-layered dough sheeted sweet, made up of wheat-flour, sugar, maida, ghee, cardamom and aniseeds as ingredients. Environment factors including local water and climate like high ph levels along with high Chlorine content of Silao region contribute to the puffiness and crispness of Khaja according to Public Health Division of Government of Bihar.
75.Indian Air Force flew India’s first military flight using Blended Bio-Jet Fuel on which aircraft in Chandigarh, on 17th December 2018?
1) An-32 transport aircraft
2) An-49 transport aircraft
3) Bn-67 transport aircraft
4) Tn-11 transport aircraft
5) None of these
Answer – 1) An-32 transport aircraft
Explanation:
On 17th December 2018, the Indian Air Force flown India’s first military flight using Blended Bio-Jet Fuel on an An-32 transport aircraft in Chandigarh. The project is a combined effort of IAF, DRDO, Directorate General Aeronautical Quality Assurance (DGAQA) and CSIR-Indian Institute of Petroleum. Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa had said the IAF intended to fly the An-32 with 10 per cent biojet fuel on Jan 26, 2019 Republic Day flypast. This fuel is made from Jatropha oil sourced from Chattisgarh Biodiesel Development Authority (CBDA) and then processed at CSIR-IIP, Dehradun. In August 2018, commercial airline Spicejet flew country’s first ever bio-jet fuel-powered flight between Dehradun and Delhi.
76.The Central Government has set up National Medical Devices Promotion Council (NMDPC) to tackle patient safety and pricing on Medical Devices, under which Union Ministry?
1) Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
2) Ministry of Finance
3) Ministry of Commerce and Industry
4) Ministry of Human Resource Development
5) None of these
Answer – 3) Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Explanation:
On 7th December 2018, the central government set up a new National Medical Devices Promotion Council (NMDPC) to plug loopholes in India’s regulatory framework for medical devices to ensure safety of patients, pricing and restrictions on import of pre-owned equipment. The council will operate under Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and will have 14 members, including representatives from the Health Ministry and Niti Aayog. The NMDPC has also appointed the Association of Indian Medical Device Industry (AiMeD) as a member of the Council. The council is aimed to boost and strengthen the Indian medical devices sector, lead India to an export driven market inorder to feature among the top 5 medical devices manufacturing hubs worldwide.
77.Name Pakistan’s human rights activist who was posthumously awarded the UN (United Nations) Human Rights Prize for 2018, in New York, on 18th December 2018?
1) Munizae Kalam
2) Safia Al Hamid
3) Asma Jahangir
4) Razia Samir
5) None of these
Answer -3) Asma Jahangir
Explanation:
On 18th December 2018, UN (United Nations) Human Rights Prize for 2018, which was posthumously awarded to Pakistan’s iconic human rights activist and lawyer Asma Jahangir, was received by her daughter, Munizae, at an impressive ceremony in the General Assembly hall of United Nations, in New York. The award and a plaque were handed over to Munizae Jahangir, a journalist and human rights activist herself, by the President of the General Assembly, Maria Fernanda Espinosa. Jahangir was an outspoken critic of Pakistan’s powerful military establishment and she fought against religious extremism and for the rights of oppressed minorities in Pakistan. Asma Jahangir was one of the four winners of the award which was announced by the United Nations in October and is given once in every five years since 1968. The three others who received the awards were: Ms. Rebeca Gyumi (Tanzania), Ms. Joenia Wapichana (Brazil) and Front Line Defenders (Irish organization). The award was given at the event organised to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, marked annually on December 10.
78.IDFC Bank merged with non- banking financial company Capital First resulting in a merged entity IDFC First Bank to be headquartered in Mumbai. Who will the MD and CEO of IDFC First Bank?
1) V Vaidyanathan
2) Rajiv Lall
3) Mahesh Kumar
4) R Srinivasan
5) None of these
Answer – 1) V Vaidyanathan
Explanation:
On 18th December 2018, the Infrastructure Development Finance Company Bank (IDFC Bank) and non-banking financial company Capital First completed their merger process, creating a combined loan asset book of Rs 1.03 lakh crore for the merged entity IDFC First Bank, which will be headquartered in Mumbai. V Vaidyanathan will be the managing director and chief executive officer (MD and CEO) of the merged entity while Rajiv Lall will be the part-time non-executive chairman, subject to Reserve Bank of India approval. The merge entity will serve 7.2 million customers through its 203 bank branches, 129 ATMs, 454 rural business correspondent centres across the country’s urban and rural geographies. The merger was announced on January 13, 2018. According to the merger agreement, shareholders will receive 139 shares of IDFC Bank for each 10 shares held of Warburg Pincus-backed Capital First.
79.Name the 2250 kg military communication satellite launched by Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, on 19th December 2018, which is also the 39th Indian Communication satellite?
1) GSAT-7A
2) GSAT-6A
3) GSAT-29C
4) GSAT-11C
5) None of these
Answer – 1) GSAT-7A Explanation:
On 19th December 2018, Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) launched 2250 kg military communication satellite GSAT-7A from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh. GSAT-7A is the 39th Indian Communication satellite. GSAT-7A is the first satellite built primarily for Indian Air Force to qualitatively unify its assets and improve combined, common intelligence during operation. The Satellite will improve the way Indian Air Force (IAF) interlinks, operates and communicates with its aircrafts during flight with the help of command centres on ground. The satellite will use “Ku band” for superior real time aircraft to aircraft communications. Space Vehicle, GSLV-F11 (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle) is used to release the satellite to an eventful geostationary orbit about 36000 km from the Earth.
80.Which state government launched ‘Shiksha Setu’ mobile App to provide information on attendance, fee, online admission and scholarships of the state’s government colleges to students, on 18th December 2018?
1) Maharashtra
2) Goa
3) Tamil Nadu
4) Haryana
5) None of these
Answer – 4) Haryana Explanation:
On 18th December 2018, Haryana government launched a mobile App ‘Shiksha Setu’ to provide students information on attendance, fee, online admission and scholarships of the government colleges of the state. The App will provides instant updates of the important notices, circulars and other programmes to students and teachers. The App will bring transparency in the department and college administration while ensuring better connectivity between students, parents, teachers and officials