1) Water Resources Secretary Alok Rawat has been appointed as the first male member of the NCW. NCW was established in which year?
Ans : (1)
1. 1992
2. 1990
3. 1993
4. 1991
5. 1994
Explanation: filling the 4th seat in the 5 member body. He is a 1977 batch Sikkim cadre IAS officer. He has previously served at the following posts: - Director/joint secretary in ministry of defence and ministry of road transport and highways; - Secretary (UPSC); - Secretary (Coordination and Public Grievances) in the cabinet secretariat Secretary in ministry of water resources, river development and Ganga rejuvenation.
2) Recently, Global Maternal New born Health Conference 2015 was held in which city?
Ans : (2)
1. Canada
2. Mexico
3. Sweden
4. Sudan
5. Cuba
Explanation: This meeting focused on acceleration of progress towards sustainable and effective coverage of maternal and newborn interventions at a massive scale. This is the forum for meeting the healthcare needs of mothers and newborns. This meeting was attended by policymakers, researchers and policymakers from 50 nations including India. This conference was convened by USAID in collaboration with UNFPA and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
3) Recently, Russia and which other country inked an MoU on preventing incidents and providing for aviation flights during Syria operation?
Ans : (3)
1. UAE
2. India
3. USA
4. China
5. Japan
Explanation: This MoU was signed between Defence Ministries of Russia and the US. Agreement was formed to prevent clashes between air forces in Syrian skies and ensure seamless operation of the two nations’ aircrafts and mutual coordination and aid in critical scenarios. Agreement is inclusive of coalition aircraft, coalition members including Turkey, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Russia commenced with airstrikes in Syria in September 2015. MoU aims at incident prevention between American and Russian planes.
4) The book entitled “Dreaming Big: My Journey to Connect India” was launched on 19th October 2015. This is an autobiography of Satanarayan Gangaram Pitroda authored with the aid of American writer David Chanoff. Pitroda is considered to be the father of the…………………..?
Ans : (1)
1. Telecom revolution in India
2. Press revolution in India
3. Political revolution in India
4. Both 2 & 3
5. None of the above
Explanation: The career of this telecom guru spans from USA to Titilagarh, Odisha. Book signals his return to India and assistance to former PM Rajiv Gandhi in spearheading the telecom revolution in the nation.
5) Union Cabinet recently approved the signing of MLAT [Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty] in criminal matters with which among the following?
Ans : (3)
1. Malaysia
2. Poland
3. Maldives
4. Cuba
5. Cambodia
Explanation: Treaty is oriented towards boosting the role of both countries in prosecution and investigation of crime via mutual legal assistance and cooperation in anti- transnational crime and anti-terrorism investigations. Proposed treaty will be part of a broader framework for cooperation with Maldives.Mutual legal assistance treaty involves gathering information and data exchange. It is for the enforcement of public or anti-criminal laws.
6) Recently, Department of Economic & Social affairs of the UN released a report entitled “ The World’s Women 2015: Trends & Statistics” Report indicates there are around how many million more men than women worldwide?
Ans : (4)
1. 55
2. 59
3. 60
4. 62
5. 65
Explanation: for both genders- 72 for women and 68 for men. Men are at higher risk than women of dying of cardiovascular disease. An estimated 58 million children of primary school age- 31 million being girls- are not in school. Two thirds of the 781 million illiterate adults in the world constitute women. As against three quarters of men, half of the women participate in the labour force. Number of female Heads of State was 19 in 2015, as against 12 in 1995. Women across the globe, irrespective of age, income or education are subject to different types of violence. Research also found that majority of deaths due to inadequate water, hygiene and sanitation was among women and girls in some parts of Asia. On an average, 1 in 3 married women in developing nations have no involvement in major household purchases.
7) Seong-Jin Cho won which edition International Frederic Chopin Piano Competition 2015?
Ans : (3)
1. 10th
2. 15th
3. 17th
4. 18th
5. 19th
Explanation: Seong-Jin Cho, South Korea aged 21 has won the International Frederic Chopin Piano competition in Warsaw in 2015. The second prize winner was Charles Richard-Hamelin of Canada while the third prize was conferred on Kate Liu of the US. The competition is held once in 5 years and is a launching pad for internationally acclaimed pianists.
8) Veteran criminologist K. Chockalingam recently was conferred the Paul. H. Appleby Award by Indian Institute of Public Administration[IIPA] . In which year IIPA was found?
Ans : (4)
1. 1970
2. 1956
3. 1964
4. 1954
5. 1984
Explanation: He has been professor and researcher in the field of criminology in Madras University is Vice President of World Society of Victimology. He has also worked as Chair Professor of Criminal Law in NLU, Delhi from 2012-2014. He has authored more than 4 books and 75 research papers apart from winning awards such as Distinguished International Scholar Award of American Society of Criminology. He has also been founder and president of various societies for criminologists in India and abroad.
9) Who among the following won Chinese Nobel Recently?
Ans : (1)
1. Robert Mugabe
2. David Mugambe
3. Scotscum Mugabe
4. Vinnie Mujtior
5. None
Explanation: Robert Mugabe, who is accused of using violence and torture in Zimbabwe to capture power has become the latest recipient of China’s Confucius Prize beating competition from Microsoft founder Bill Gates and S. Korean president Park Geun-hye. News of his winning award sparked outrage and ridicule among opposition groups and human rights activists.
10) Recently American Tower Corp has agreed to purchase 51 percent controlling stake in Indian mobile mast company Viom Networks for INR 7600 or USD 1.17 billion for expansion. Which is the world’s second largest telecommunications market by number of users?
Ans : (2)
1. USA
2. India
3. China
4. Japan
5. UAE
Explanation: ATC will combine 14,000 communication towers with Viom’s 42,200 creating the second largest Indian mobile mast operator as per number of towers. India’s mobile phone carriers are concentrating on spreading 3G and 4G broadband networks where two thirds of the population is under 35 and income levels are expanding fast. Currently, Indus Towers a JV of three top mobile phone carrier companies in India is India’s biggest telecom tower company with close to 100,000 towers. While Credit Suisse advised Viom networks for the deal, Kotak Investment Banking and Evercore advised ATC.
11) The AP Investment Task Force will be established in which country for the acceleration of industrial development in the state. ?
Ans : (4)
1. China
2. Australia
3. Canada
4. Japan
5. UK
Explanation: Japan State METI minister Y. Takagi and Andhra Pradesh CM N. Chandrababu Naidu signed the Memorandum of Cooperation. As per the MoC, there will be further investments by Japanese companies in the state. Some of the agencies which have partnered with METI include JBIC, JETRO, JICA and NEDO.
12) Which country will become the world’s fifth largest nuclear weapons state as per a report by a leading US based think tank which projected the country’s stockpile to rise by 250 warheads within a span of 10 years?
Ans : (5)
1. USA
2. China
3. Japan
4. India
5. Pakistan
Explanation: Pakistan will become the world’s fifth largest nuclear weapons state as per a report by a leading US based think tank which projected the country’s stockpile to rise by 250 warheads within a span of 10 years. Pakistan has estimated nuclear stockpile of close to 130 warheads up from 110 warheads in 2011, according to the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists. Stock pile could rise by 250 in 2025, making it the fifth largest nuclear weapon state. Six type of currently operational nuclear ballistic missiles are also there with two more under development. Pakistan also has 2 cruise missions on the anvil.
13) Recently, which species found in hidden caves in forested region between Russia and Georgia, which are dependant on bats to survive?
Ans : (2)
1. Rare Fishes
2. Rare Frogst
3. Rare Turtles
4. Rare Eagles
5. Rare Snakes
Explanation: Caucasian parsley frogs display considerable preference for caves with bat colonies as insects breeding in bat waste provide good source of food. This study shows how important bats are for the ecology. It also demonstrates the importance of protecting bat colonies.
14) Recently, researchers found a specific membrane protein which expands the comprehension of neuro-plasticity. What is the name of it?
Ans : (1)
1. Caveolin-1
2. Bavelion-1
3. Revelion-1
4. Gevelion-1
5. Crevilion-1
Explanation: Researchers have found that increasing cholesterol binding membrane protein in nerve cells within the brain can lead to improvements in learning and memory. This is a novel method for treatment of diseases involving nervous system degeneration and highlights the importance of brain cholesterol.
15) According to UNESCAP, which country is the leading trade facilitation performer in the South Asian sub region. ?
Ans : (4)
1. Bali
2. Laos
3. Indonesia
4. India
5. Malaysia
Explanation: Singapore and Korea lead East Asia in effective movement of goods, as per a UNESCAP repot entitled Global Report of the Trade Facilitation and Paperless Trade Implementation Survey. This report was launched by UNESCAP with 4 UN regional commissions on 22nd October 2015. This is the first global report regarding implementation of measures for simplifying import, export and transit procedures. Russia and Turkey lead in Europe and Central Asia, as per the report. Next generation trade facilitation measures also have the potential to lower costs and increase trade.
16) As announced by US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which month was the hottest month ever recorded since records were being kept in January 1880?
Ans : (1)
1. September
2. August
3. July
4. June
5. May
Explanation: Of 5 consecutive months commencing from May within this year, the year has broken all previous records for higher temperatures, according to the NOAA monthly State of Climate Global Analysis. High temperature indicates uncontrolled effect of rising GHG in the atmosphere. The report also found that oceans were warmer than the average across rapid expanses and the year had witnessed the one of the strongest El Nino recorded.
17) India faced ____ percent deficit in Monsoon Rains?
Ans : (2)
1. 13%
2. 14%
3. 20%
4. 12%
5. 11%
Explanation: High temperature indicates uncontrolled effect of rising GHG in the atmosphere. The report also found that oceans were warmer than the average across rapid expanses and the year had witnessed the one of the strongest El Nino recorded.
18) Ace Indian badminton player Saina Nehwal lost her World Number 1 spot to World Champion Carolina Marin in an update of BWF rankings on………………?
Ans : (1)
1. 22nd october 2015
2. 21st october 2015
3. 20th october 2015
4. 19th october 2015
5. 18th october 2015
Explanation: Her performance in the previous two tournaments- Japan Open and Denmark Open has led to a fall to position no.2 in women’s singles. P. V. Sindhu retained the rank 13 despite reaching the Denmark Open final. In men’s singles, players like K. Srikanth, P. Kashyap and H. S. Prannoy dropped in rankings.
19) Recently, Scientists have found that the colour of Vincent van Gogh’s Sunflowers is changing across time due to mixture of pigments used in the painting. Three versions of the painting are currently on dupls. in London, Amsterdam and which other museum?
Ans : (2)
1. Beijing
2. Tokyo
3. New Delhi
4. Colombo
5. Kathmandu
Explanation: The study also identified areas of the painting that should be monitored particularly closely for any changes. van Gogh (1853-1890) is known for his use of chrome/bright yellows, a class of compounds including lead, chromium and oxygen. Lighter shades had sulphur mixed in them.
20) Which among the following has signed a landmark nuclear deal with China on 21st October 2015 to open the nation’s first nuclear power plant since the 80s?
Ans : (1)
1. Britain
2. Canada
3. USA
4. UAE
5. Japan
Explanation: The agreement is between EDF and CGN to build the power plant at Hinkley Point in Somerset. During President Xi’s 4 day visit to the UK, more than 30 billion pounds worth of deals are expected to be signed.
21) Indian golfer Anirban Lahiri won the inaugural Hilton Asian Tour Golfer of the Month Award based on his performance in the months from June to September. What is the rank of him in the world rankings?
Ans : (2)
1. 30th
2. 39th
3. 40th
4. 37th
5. 38th
Explanation: Lahiri (b 1987) turned professional in 2007. He has also won the Arjuna Award for Golf, besides being the first Indian to be part of the President Cups International team. He is ranked 39th in the world and is currently leading the Asian Tour Order of Merit.
22) Ministry of Defence on 21st October 2015 divided a single area into which two Naval Areas and created two separate HQs to be headed by Flag Officer?
Ans : (3)
1. Madhya pradesh & Odisha
2. Bihar & Gujarath
3. Maharashtra & Gujarath
4. Telengana & Tamil nadu
5. Kolkata & Odisha
Explanation: The charge of the Flag Officer for Maharashtra Area was taken by Rear Admiral Satish Namdeo Ghormade and Rear Admiral Muralidhar Sadashiv Pawar will now serve as Flag Officer of the Gujarat Naval Area.
23) Citizens can now register governance related grievances via mobile phones as the mobile application for the CPGRAMS/Centralised Public Grievances Redress and Monitoring System was launched on which day?
Ans : (2)
1. 20th October 2015
2. 21st October 2015
3. 22nd October 2015
4. 23rd October 2015
5. 24th October 2015
Explanation: This is a central government portal which addresses grievance redressal will receive complaints which will be addressed by state, department or ministry. A QR-Quick Response code has been provided on the portal which can be scanned onto the smartphone after grievance is sent directly from phone to CPGRAMS. This is a step towards the ART of Governance spelt out as PM Modi’s Vision for Accountability, Responsibility and Transparency. The focus is on making administration responsive, transparent and responsive. The mobile app will also track grievance status. CPGRAMS was launched in 2007 by the ministry. More than 16 lakh grievances have been lodged since January 2012 and in the past 1 year, 9 lakh grievances have been launched and 6.47 lakh cases have been disposed of.
24) e-Commerce major Flipkart has announced the appointment of whom among the following as the Chief Marketing Officer recently?
Ans : (1)
1. S. Subandh
2. V. Sumanth
3. S. Suman
4. V. Sugandh
5. None
Explanation: Subandh will be handling the Flipkart brand through deeper insight into customer behaviour. He has over 17 years experience in the consumer goods industry and has spent 15 years with Hindustan Unilever. He has also worked with Marico.
25) Bank of Baroda has joined the Chillr payment platform enabling peer to peer payment through mobile application. This is the second bank to join the payment platform . which one is the first bank?
Ans : (2)
1. Axis bank
2. HDFC
3. Indian bank
4. ING Vysya
5. Citi Bank
Explanation: Banks integrated with this application can utilise application for remitting funds. Customers of any bank can get funds using this payment platform. Chillr app was developed by Kerala based start up named Mobme Wireless. This was formed into a separate firm by Sony Joy, founder and CEO Chillr.
26) Recently, National Blood Policy 2015 has been modified to identify how many major initiatives towards better utilisation of blood and blood components?
Ans : (2)
1. 1
2. 2
3. 3
4. 4
5. 5
Explanation: Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) prize Award of Excellence 2015 for the conservation efforts It was announced on 1st Sep’15. According to UNESCO, the award recognises the conservation effort with conservation techniques emphasising on architecture and construction.
27) United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in October 2015 elected Egypt, Japan, Senegal, Ukraine and Uruguay as non-permanent members on UNSC. These members will serve the body until …………………/
Ans : (1)
1. 31st December 2017
2. 1st December 2017
3. 2nd December 2017
4. 21st December 2017
5. 11th December 2017
Explanation: The new constitution of the UNSC is now as follows: - Five permanent Council members: China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States - Non-permanent members until close of 2016: Angola, Malaysia, New Zealand, Spain and Venezuela - Non-permanent members until close of 2017: Egypt, Japan, Senegal, Ukraine and Uruguay
28) Union government has set up a draft National Encryption Policy formulated by an expert group under DeitY. Under which section of the IT Act 2000 has this draft policy been introduced?
Ans : (2)
1. TCS
2. Infosys
3. Mahindra & mahindra
4. Infotech
5. Wipro
Explanation: Noah Consulting LLC, a leading advanced information management consulting firm for Oil and Gas industry. Acquisition is an all cash deal with aggregate purchase consideration of USD 70 million. US based Noah Consulting has deep domain expertise in upstream oil and gas.
29) Which government accepted recently, an invitation from UN Secretary General for resolution to end fighting?
Ans : (3)
1. Jamaica
2. Zambia
3. Yemen
4. Saudi
5. Guinea
Explanation: Government will attend talks in Geneva with Houthi rebels. The government will lay down a Security Council Resolution that requires the rebels to move away from areas they control and give up arms.
30) Recently, Scientists have found that a star system 650 light years away known to have a hot Jupiter planet is hosting 2 exoplanets. This discovery was made by astronomers from which University?
Ans : (3)
1. Cambridge university
2. Harvard university
3. University of Michigan
4. Calfornia University
5. Washington University
Explanation: Hot Jupiters are called so because of their massive size and gaseous composition. However, these hot Jupiters in faraway solar systems orbit at distances closer than Mercury. Close to 300 hot Jupiters have been identified so far. This marks the first time any close in planets were discovered. Person who first spotted the planet companion in the WASP-47 system was citizen scientist Hans Schwengeler.
31) India`s tennis player Saketh Myneni recently defeated Jordan Thompson 7-5 6-3 to win the Vietnam Tennis Open in the men’s singles. Jordan belongs to which country?
Ans : (4)
1. Canada
2. USA
3. USSR
4. Australia
5. China
Explanation: He was runner up with Indian Sanam Singh after being defeated in the final 6-1 3-6 8-10 to Tristan Lamasine (France) and Nils Langer (Germany). This is his first singles ATP Challenger title of 2015. It is also his second overall singles title at Challenger level, the other title he won being Indore Open in October a year back.
32) The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has reconstituted the Central Press Accreditation Committee (CPAC) with some members. According to this latest list, who is the Chairman, director General ( M & C), press information bureau, Govt of India, New Delhi ?
Ans : (3)
1. Shri l C Bharatiya
2. Shri supriya Prasad
3. Shri Frank Noronha
4. Shri. Paramod Kumar
5. Shri. Rabi rath
Explanation: Shri Frank Noronha (Chairman), Director General (M&C), Press Information Bureau, Government of India, New Delhi - Shri Pramod Kumar, National Union of Journalists (India), International Federation of Journalists - Shri Surendra Verma, Association of Accredited News Cameraman (Regd.) - Shri Shyam Babu, Indian Federation of Working Journalists - Shri Rabi Rath, Association of Small and Medium Newspapers of India - Ms. Meenakshi Pandit, All India Journalists Welfare Association - Shri Supriya Prasad, News Broadcasters’ Association - Shri Rahul Kanwal, Broadcast Editors’ Association - Ms. Ira Jha, Press Association - Shri L.C. Bhartiya, All India Small & Medium Newspapers Federation - Ms. Sabina Inderjeet, Indian Journalists Union - Shri M.K. Mahadev Rao, Working News Cameramen’s Association
33) Ministry of Youth affairs & sports Constitutes all India council of Sports. Who is the Minister of youth affairs?
Ans : (1)
1. Sarbananda sonowal
2. Sunil dutt
3. M S Gill
4. Jitendra singh
5. Uma Bharati
Explanation: The members include:- This council headed by Prof V.K. Malhotra, being its President in the rank of Minister of State. All India Council of Sports includes the following members: - Sachin Tendulkar, MP (Rajya Sabha), - P.T. Usha (Athletics), - Limba Ram (Archery), - N. Kunjarani Devi (Weightlifting), - I.M. Vijayan (Football), - P. Gopichand (Badminton), - Baichung Bhutia (Football), - Uday Shankar, CEO Star India, - Vishwanathan Anand (Chess), - Sandeep Pradhan, Director General, Sports Authority of Gujarat, Secretary (Sports), Government of Madhya Pradesh, - Secretary (Sports), Government of Assam, - President/Secretary General, Indian Olympic Association, - Secretary, Department of Sports, Government of India, - Director General, Sports Authority of India, - Director General, National Anti Doping Agency, - Vice Chancellor, Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education (LNIPE), - Joint Secretary, Department of Sports, Government of India, as members. - Secretary, Sports Authority of India is Member Secretary of the Council.
34) Well known dastangoi artist Danish Hussain returned which award recently?
Ans : (1)
1. Sangeeth natak akademi award
2. Padma Bhushan
3. Sahitya Akademi award
4. Padma sri
5. Bharath ratna
Explanation: The Dasntagoi artist returned the award, becoming the second to do so after Maya Krishna Rao. Hussain received the Akademi’s Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar in 2010 jointly with Mahmood Farooqui for Dastangoi, a folk narrative of Uttar Pradesh. This is one of the landmark moments when many writers, poets, thinkers and artists have returned their recognition en masse.?
35) Recently, ASTROSAT has spotted Crab Nebula using the CZTI or Cadmium Zinc Telluride Imager. ASTROSAT is the ………………Indian space Observatory?
Ans : (1)
1. First
2. Second
3. Third
4. Fourth
5. Fifth
Explanation: This is the brightest hard X-ray or highest energy X-ray source in the sky used to calibrate hard X-ray detectors. This proves ASTROSAT can sight X-ray sources. ASTRONAUT also spotted Cygnus X-1, a black hole source.
36) The new book “ Smitha Patil”- A Brief Incandescence has been written by …………………..?
Ans : (2)
1. Maitreyi Rai
2. Maithili Rao
3. Chitra rao
4. Meera rajasekhar
5. Seetha rajgopal
Explanation: Well known film critic Maithili Rao’s new book “Smita Patil- A Brief Incandescence” has finally been released on 18th October 2015. This book was launched to coincide with the actress’s 60th birth anniversary. Amitabh Bachchan was the chief guest at the book launch ceremony.
37) Former Delhi Commission for Women chairperson Barkha Shukla Singh has taken charge recently, as …………………of the women’s wing of Delhi Congress ?
Ans : (3)
1. Secretary
2. Vice President
3. President
4. Treasurer
5. None
Explanation: She took charge in the presence of All India Mahila Congress President Shobhaa Oza and DPCC president Ajay Maken.Currently, the DCW chairperson is AAP leader Swati Malliwal.
38) Scientists have confirmed that Enceladus, one of Saturn’s many moons comprises an ocean beneath its icy exterior. Saturn is the second largest planet in the solar system and the which one from the Sun?
Ans : (5)
1. 3rd
2. 5th
3. 7th
4. 4th
5. 6th
Explanation: it has the capacity to support life. Cassini orbiter obtained pictures of the moon confirming this fact on 14th October 2015. While one side of the top has cracks and crater marks, the other is smoother and the moon which is the sixth largest has an ocean which could help to produce life. Enceladus is one tenth the size of Titan. Saturn is the second largest planet in the solar system and the sixth from the Sun. Its orbital period is 29 years. It has 53 named moons.
39) Which among the following Chief Development Officer J. Reses is resigning to join mobile payments company Square Inc following a role change earlier in 2015?
Ans : (4)
1. Twitter
2. Facebook
3. Oracle
4. Yahoo
5. Rediff
Explanation: Twitter also named Jack Dorsey heading Square as its CEO earlier. Square has also filed for an IPO recently in October 2015.
40) Recently, parasram Bharadwaj passed away. He was the senior Congress leader and former ………….cheif?
Ans : (1)
1. MPCC ( Madhya Pradesh congress committee)
2. Kerala congress committee (KCC)
3. APCC
4. GCC ( Gujarath congress committee)
5. None
Explanation: Senior Congress leader and former MPCC Chief P. Bharadwaj passed away in Chhattisgarh’s Bilaspur district. He passed away from a cardiac arrest and was a LS representative for 6 times in a row from 1980 in undivided MP
41) India aims to promote a new variety of which fruit, called Arka Sahan which was developed by IIHR Bengaluru in a span of 17 years?
Ans : (3)
1. Apple
2. Grapes
3. Custard apple
4. Plum
5. Straw Berry
Explanation : Indian Wushu team secured 12 medals-one gold, four silver and seven bronze medals- at 5th International Pars Wushu Cup held Tehran. India’s L. Budhachandra Singh won the gold medal after beating Masod Ansari of Iran in the final of the 56 kg category. Mukesh Choudhary and Rajani Deori fetched silvers for the country. The previous edition was held in Zenjan Iram and India had won 2 silver and 3 bronze medals here. Wushu is a Chinese martial arts contact and exhibition sports and IWUF/ International Sushi Foundation organises it.
42) Recently, PV SIndhu beat Carolina Marin to reach the final of the which Open Super series in Odense on 17th October 2015.?
Ans : (1)
1. Denmark
2. Columbia
3. Brazil
4. Argentina
5. France
Explanation: After beating Tai Tau Ying and Wang Yihan of China, she suffered a straight game defeat against Olympic champion Li Xuerui who notched up a 21-19, 21-12 win.
43) Black rice which is also known as purple or forbidden rice. Its botanical name is Oryza Sativa L. This little known rice variety has entered world markets through China which cultivates it for consumption and export. In India Black rice is grown in ……………?
Ans : (2)
1. Mizoram
2. Manipur
3. Odisha
4. Assom
5. Telengana
Explanation: IARI has promoted black rice because it has medicinal value and is rich in disease fighting antioxidants apart from being anti-cancerous. It is also much in dietary fibre and is said to have anti-inflammatory properties, apart from providing relief from diabetes and heart disease. Government of India promotes 7 other lesser known rice varieties namely Kalanamak, Palakkadan Matta, Navara, Pokkali, Wayanad Jeerakasala, Kaipad and Wahanad Gandhankasala.
44) Recently, K. Kaatyani also returned sahitya Akademi award. She was a writer of which language?
Ans : (2)
1. Tamil
2. Telugu
3. Oriya
4. Assamese
5. Bengali
Explanation: The writer will be returning her award in solidarity with other writers against state supported violence. She received the Sahitya Akademi award in 2013 for her work`Saahityakasham Lo Sagam`, a critique of literature.
45) Recently astronaut Scott Kelly broke the record for most time spent in space for a United States national at 383 days. Currently, the longest duration of space travel is held by Gennady Padalka at 879 days in space. He belongs to ……………?
Ans : (2)
1. USA
2. Russia
3. Canada
4. China
5. Japan
Explanation: US astronaut Scott Kelly broke the record for most time spent in space for a United States national at 383 days. He is more than halfway through a yearly mission at ISS and has set the record for the longest single US space mission. His 500 plus days in total in orbit will be one of the longest durations for which an astronaut has stayed in space
46) Who among the following was appointed as the chair person of Rajasthan state commission for women?
Ans : (1)
1. Suman Sharma
2. Sumanthi kulkarni
3. Vasantha Kokila
4. Madhuri hedge
5. Nirmala sundaran
Explanation: CM Vasundhara Raje has appointed loyalist Suman Sharma as chairperson of Rajasthan State Commission for Women apart from selecting Pilani MLA Sunder Lal Kaka as chairman of Rajasthan State Commission for Scheduled Castes and ex MP Gopal Pan cherwal as chairman of Rajasthan State Safai Karmchari Aayog. All three leaders have been given the status of minister of state. Commissions and boards awaiting political appointments in the state include Rajasthan State Human Rights Commission, Rajasthan State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, Rajasthan State Commission for Minorities and Rajasthan Information Commission, among others.
47) Recently, Standing in solidarity with Indian authors protesting against rising intolerance in the nation, PEN International has urged the government to provide better protection to persons and safeguard free speech. Who is the PEN international president?
Ans : (3)
1. David Johnson
2. Marktin Waugh
3. John Ralston saul
4. Vicky Raisenton Murkin
5. Nancy David camerson
Explanation: A statement to this effect was issued by delegates of 73 nations participating in the 81st Congress of Pen International in Quebec City, Canada. PEN International president John Ralston Saul has also composed a letter to the Indian PM, President and Sahitya Akademi to protect the rights of everyone including artists and authors.
48) Nobel Peace prize awardee Kailash Satyarthi has been conferred with the prestigious humanitarian award for 2015 in recognition of his contribution to child rights. Satyarthi is the ………… Indian to be honoured with this award.?
Ans : (1)
1. First
2. Second
3. Third
4. Fourth
5. Fifth
Explanation: The annual award is given by the prestigious university to individuals whose works and deeds have improved the quality of living and inspired people to higher heights. The award has been given recognition of his contributions in the field of child rights and abolition of child slavery. He has gotten child protection and welfare related clauses included under UN SDG to end slavery, trafficking, forced labour and violence. Former winners of this award include Javier Perez de Cuellar, Ban Ki-moon, Bishop Desmond Tutu and John Hume
49) Recently, which country has closed its border with Croatia to prevent free flow of migrants from Asia, Africa and the Middle East for a better life in Western Europe. ?
Ans : (3)
1. Cuba
2. Cambodia
3. Hungary
4. Zambia
5. Peru
Explanation: Closure has prompted migrants to seek passage through Slovenia to head towards Austria and Germany. Slovenia has indicated it would increase border controls and create entry points for migrants and keep accepting them till the borders of Austria and Germany are open. Croatia has indicated it will close the border with Serbia in case Slovenia adopts the same approach for it.
50) Which Taxi aggregator has hired ex Infosys CFO Rajiv Bansal as the current finance head Recently?
Ans : (2)
1. Uber
2. OLA
3. Sky cabs
4. Taxi for Sure
5. Zee cabs
Explanation: Bansal announced his exit from Infosys earlier and will be joining Bengaluru based Ola from January 1st, 2015. Presently, the Ola CFO is Mitesh Shah. Bansal joined Infosys in 1999 and was appointed as CFO in 2012. Ola formed by founders Aggarwal and Bhati is valued at INR 32,500 crore. Its main investors include Tiger Global, DST Global, SoftBank and Sequoia.