Current Affairs – National & International
1. Cobra Gold Military Exercises was hosted by Thailand and which of the following country?

A. Indonesia B. United States C. Malaysia D. South Korea

Answer: Option (B)
Explanation: Thailand and the United States hosted the annual Cobra Gold military exercise, the biggest activity of its type in the Asia-Pacific region with 29 nations taking part as participants or observers. Apart from the 2 countries, 7 countries who participated in the exercise were India, Singapore, Japan, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, and South Korea. The Indian Army participated in the military training exercise with a 14-member contingent. India participated in this exercise for the first time in the 'Observer Plus' category in 2016 alongside China.
2. Which country has conducted a naval military exercise 'Velayat 97' from the Persian Gulf to the Indian Ocean?

A. Israel B. Iraq C. Iran D. India

Answer: Option (C)
Explanation: An Iranian naval force has started a massive three-day drill, codenamed "Velayat 97", across two million square kilometers of sea between the Straits of Hormuz and the Indian Ocean, including a sensitive global shipping route. The drill will showcase Iran's submarines, warships, helicopters, and drones. It is being held from the Strait of Hormuz to the southeastern coasts of Makran, the Sea of Oman and the northern parts of the Indian Ocean, down to the 10-degrees latitude. The naval exercise comes at a time of tensions with the US after Washington condemned Iran at the summit in Warsaw. In addition, Iran has upped tensions with Saudi Arabia after a terror attack in southeastern Iran, which Tehran blamed partly on Riyadh. Iran has also recently condemned the United Arab Emirates, Israel and the US. Sending its navy to the Strait of Hormuz, a major chokepoint for the world's oil, is provocative.
3. Which country starts to Trading New Currency RTGS dollar?

A. Israel B. Jordan C. China D. Zimbabwe

Answer: Option (D)
Explanation: Zimbabwe's central bank announced the discontinuation of its official currency, quasi-currency bond note officially pegged at parity with the U.S. dollar and launched a new currency called RTGS dollars, to resolve a long-term monetary crisis. U.S. dollars to banks at a rate of 2.5 RTGS to the greenback. This step was undertaken to do away with hyperinflation and fiscal deficit issues the country had been facing and the shortage of dollars which had been negatively impacting the economy.
4. Which country unveiled the world's first female AI news anchor?

A. China B. India C. USA D. Japan

Answer: Option (A)
Explanation: Chinese news agency Xinhua unveiled the world's first female AI news anchor Xin Xiaomeng. She has been developed in collaboration with Sogou Inc, a search engine company. Earlier, Xinhua also developed Qiu Hao, the world's first male AI news anchor at the World Internet Conference in Wuzhen held in November 2018, who is capable of mimicking human facial expressions and mannerisms while reading out news-reports.
5. Which two countries signed an MoU to establish a business center for ICT incubators?

A. Bangladesh and Sri Lanka B. India and Sri Lanka C. India and Bangladesh D. Nepal and Sri Lanka

Answer: Option (B)
Explanation: India and Sri Lanka signed an MoU to establish a business center for ICT incubators in Jaffna (a city in Sri Lanka) through the grant of 25 crore Sri Lankan rupees from India. The MoU was signed by High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka Mr. Taranjit Singh Sandhu, and Secretary, Ministry of Development Strategies and International Trade Mr. S. T. Kodikara in Colombo in presence of Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe.
Important Financial & Economic News
1. Which city is the venue of the ICT Academy Bridge 2019 conference?

A. Jaipur B. New Delhi C. Pune D. Chennai

Answer: Option (D)
Explanation: In Tamil Nadu, the 37th edition of the ICT Academy Bridge 2019 conference was held in Chennai with theme "Fostering India for Industry 4.0".
2. How much will be allotted under the Pradhanmantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojna as per the union Budget 2019?

A. Rs. 55000 crore B. Rs. 75000 crore C. Rs. 30000 crore D. Rs. 85000 crore

Answer: Option (B)
Explanation: The Union Minister Piyush Goyal announced various schemes in the Interim Union Budget 2019-20 on February 1, 2019. Government announced fixed yearly income for small and marginal farmers under Pradhanmantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojna. This scheme will benefit about 12 crore farmers who have 2 Hectare land. Rupee 6000 per year direct cash transfer in their account. Cash transfer will be given in three equal installments of Rs 2000 each. The benefit under this yojna will be given retrospectively from December 2018. Rs. 75000 crore allotted for this scheme. It is expected to double the farmer's income.
3. Union Minister for Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi stated that the GST on Haj reduced from 18% to __________.

A. 8% B. 12% C. 5% D. 15%

Answer: Option (C)
Explanation: Union Minister for Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi stated that GST on Haj has been reduced from 18% to 5% and this will significantly lower the airfare thus saving Haj pilgrims' 113 crore rupees this year. Mr. Naqvi also stated that for the first time since the independence 2,340 women from India will go on 2019 Haj without Mehram.
4. According to the report of the United Nations' World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) 2019, what will be the growth rate of India for in 2019-20?

A. 7.6% B. 7.5% C. 7.4% D. 7.8%

Answer: Option (A)
Explanation: With robust private consumption and 7.4% GDP growth rate in the current fiscal, the Indian economy is expected to accelerate at a rate of 7.6% in 2019-20, according to a report by the United Nations titled United Nation's World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) 2019. As per the report, the world trade growth moderated over the course of 2018 to 3.8% from growth of 5.3% in 2017.
5. The Ministry of Finance has started which series on Twitter to educate the general public about the budgetary process?

A. Know the Budgetary Process B. Know Your Economy C. Know Your Budget D. Know Making of Budget

Answer: Option (C)
Explanation: The Union Ministry of Finance has started 'Know Your Budget' fortnight series on its Twitter handle to educate the general public about the budgetary process. The series would explain the importance of Union Budget and its making and would continue for about a fortnight. In the first series of tweets, the Ministry explained the terms - Union Budget and Vote on Account. These are as follows: The Budget is the most comprehensive report of the government's finances in which revenues from all sources and outlays for all activities are consolidated. The Budget also contains estimates of the government's accounts for the next fiscal year called Budget estimates. The Vote on Account is defined as a grant made in advance by Parliament for expenditure for a part of the next financial year.
Budget and Five Year Plans
1. First five year plan in India was from

A. 1947 - 1952 B. 1949 - 1954 C. 1950 - 1955 D. 1951 - 1956

Answer: Option (D)
2. Which five-year plan is also known as "Gadgil Yojana"?

A. Second Five Year Plan B. Third Five Year Plan C. Fourth Five Year Plan D. Fifth Five Year Plan

Answer: Option (C)
3. Pradhan Mantri Gramodaya Yojana started in?

A. 1999 B. 2000 C. 2001 D. 2002

Answer: Option (B)
Explanation: It was started to fulfill the basic requirements of rural areas.
4. National Rural Employment Guarantee Programme started in?

A. 2005 B. 2006 C. 2007 D. 2008

Answer: Option (B)
Explanation: It started on 2[latex]^{nd}[/latex] Feb 2006. Govt. of India renamed it to Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act(MNERGA) on 2nd October 2009.
5. Gilt-edged market means

A. market of government securities B. bullion market C. market dealing with metals D. market dealing with exports

Answer: Option (A)
Abbreviations
1. What is the full form of "FERA"?

A. Federal Exchange Regulation Authority B. Foreign Exchange Rate Axis C. Foreign Exchange Regulation Act D. Financial Exchange Ratio Analysis

Answer: Option (C)
2. What is the full form of "CTBT"?

A. Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty B. Common Test for Bank Tellers C. Computerized Topography and BioTechnology D. Common Trading and Business Terminal

Answer: Option (A)
3. What is the full form of "ISRO"?

A. Institute of Science and Radiation Organisation B. Indian Space Research Organisation C. International Space Research Organisation D. Indian Science and Research Organisation

Answer: Option (B)
4. What is the full form of "LTTE"?

A. Liberty of Tamil Tigers Environment B. Lowest Trading Technology C. Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam D. Location Tracking and Transmitting Technology

Answer: Option (C)
5. What is the full form of "LLC"?

A. Logical Link Control B. Logical Level Control C. Limited Link Control D. Limited Liability Control

Answer: Option (A)
Awards and Honors
1. Who topped the Asian Rich List 2019 with Rs 2.3 lakh crore?

A. Hinduja family B. Lakshmi Mittal & family C. SP Lohia D. Mukesh Ambani family

Answer: Option (A)
Explanation: Leading London-based NRI industrial tycoons, the Hinduja family has topped the Asian Rich List 2019 for the sixth successive year with £25.2 billion (over Rs 2.3 lakh crore) wealth. Steel magnates Lakshmi Mittal and his son Aditya Mittal were ranked second with £11.2 billion (over Rs 1 lakh crore) wealth. Petrochemicals billionaire SP Lohia was ranked third with £5.8 billion (over Rs 53,000 crore) wealth.
2. Which of the following was conferred with the Golden Peacock Innovative Product Award - 2019?

A. Acko General Insurance B. Magma Fincorp C. Max Bupa D. TATA

Answer: Option (A)
Explanation: ACKO General Insurance a new-age digital insurance company was awarded the coveted Golden Peacock Innovative Product Award - 2019, for their contextual micro insurance product -"Ola Ride Insurance". The award was presented to Mr. Biresh Giri, Appointed Actuary & CRO, Acko. The award ceremony was held in Dubai.
3. Which among the following won the Airport Service Quality (ASQ) award for being the best airport in size and region for the year 2018?

A. SM Badaruddin II Airport B. Biju Patnaik International Airport C. Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport D. Yichang Sanxia Airport

Answer: Option (B)
Explanation: The Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) in Bhubaneswar won the Airport Service Quality (ASQ) award for being the best airport in size and region (2-5 million passengers in Asia-Pacific) for the year 2018. It has been chosen for the award by the Airports Council International. Chandigarh Airport, Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport in Indore, SM Badaruddin II Airport in Indonesia, SS Kasim II Airport in Indonesia and Yichang Sanxia Airport in China were also chosen for the award. The award is given on the basis of an independent survey among passengers on the parameters of security, safety, experience, ambiance, ease of availability and cleanliness.
4. Who sets 7th World Record By Providing Artificial Legs?

A. DIPP B. DEPwD C. DSIR D. Department of Research and Education

Answer: Option (B)
Explanation: Union Minister Thaawar Chand Gehlot on Friday said the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) has set its seventh Guinness world record with 260 people in Gujarat's Bharuch getting 'Modern Artificial Limbs (Legs)' implanted within eight hours. The DEPwD under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment had previously set six Guinness world records in other categories.
5. Name the company which conferred the Non-Life Insurer of the Year Award 2019.

A. Tata AIG General Insurance B. Royal Sundaram General Insurance C. Bajaj Allianz General Insurance D. Bharti AXA General Insurance

Answer: Option (D)
Explanation: ASSOCHAM (The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India), which is one of the apex trade associations of India has conferred 'Non-Life Insurer of the Year Award 2019' to Bharti AXA General Insurance which is a joint venture between Bharti Enterprises and French insurance giant AXA. The award has been awarded for its contribution to the non-life insurance sector during the recently-held Insurance Leaders Meet 2019 and Excellence Awards in Kolkata. This award recognizes efficacy, excellence, and contribution in the insurance industry annually.
Sports
1. First Indian women Olympic Medal winner is -

A. Saina Nehwal B. MC Mary Kom C. Karnam Malleshwari D. Sakshi Malik

Answer: Option (C)
2. The term "Whitewash" is associated with which game?

A. Football B. Hockey C. Cricket D. Lawn Tennis

Answer: Option (C)
3. Who scores the fastest individual Test century?

A. Viv Richards B. Misbah-ul-Haq C. Bredon McCullum D. AB de Villiers

Answer: Option (C)
4. President of the International Olympic Committee is elected for a term of -

A. 5 yrs B. 6 yrs C. 8 yrs D. 10 yrs

Answer: Option (C)
5. The "Pommel Horse" is a term associated with the game -

A. Chess B. Tennis C. Badminton D. Gymnastics

Answer: Option (D)
Important Days
1. When did International Mother Language Day observed?

A. 22[latex]^{nd}[/latex] February B. 21[latex]^{st}[/latex] February C. 20[latex]^{nd}[/latex] February D. 19[latex]^{th}[/latex] February

Answer: Option (B)
Explanation: International Mother Language Day has been observed every year on 21st February since February 2000 to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism. This year, International Mother Language day 2019 will be framed by the International Year of indigenous languages 2019 (IYIL19) around the theme "Indigenous languages matter for development, peacebuilding and reconciliation".
2. The World Day of Social Justice is celebrated all over the world on 20 February. The theme of 2019 World Day of Social Justice is;

A. A Just Transition - environmentally sustainable economies and societies B. Preventing conflict and sustaining peace through decent work C. If You Want Peace & Development, Work for Social Justice D. Workers on the move: the quest for social justice

Answer: Option (C)
Explanation: The World Day of Social Justice is celebrated annually all over the world on 20 February. The theme for WDSJ 2019 is "If You Want Peace & Development, Work for Social Justice". The International Labour Organization unanimously adopted the ILO Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalization on 10 June 2008.
3. What is the theme of the National Productivity day, that is observed on February 12, 2019?

A. Production and Sustained Economy B. Production for wealthier Nation C. Revised Economy for Enhancing Productivity D. Circular Economy for Productivity and Sustainability

Answer: Option (D)
Explanation: National Productivity Council (NPC) has commemorated its 61st Foundation Day as Productivity Day. NPC is celebrating National Productivity Week from 12th Feb to 18th Feb 2019. The theme of this year's Productivity Day is "Circular Economy for Productivity and Sustainability". This is to signify a distinctive opportunity for circular business representative models for 'Make-Use-Return' for further economic prospects and revitalization of materials.
4. 13 February is celebrated as World Radio Day with the theme;

A. Dialogue, Tolerance, and Peace B. Radio is You C. Radio in Times of Emergency and Disaster D. Youth and Radio

Answer: Option (A)
Explanation: 13 February is celebrated as World Radio Day by UNESCO all over the world. The theme of WRD 2019 is "Dialogue, Tolerance, and Peace". This day marks a time where people around the world celebrate the radio and how it shapes our lives. Radio informs, transforms and unites us. It brings together people and communities from all backgrounds to foster positive dialogue for change.
5. National Deworming Day (NDD-2019) was observed on;

A. February 12 B. February 11 C. February 10 D. February 09

Answer: Option (C)
Explanation: The National Deworming Day (NDD) is an initiative of the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) to make every child in the country worm free. The day is observed every year on the 10th of February to tackle worm infections among pre-school (Anganwadi) and school-age children across India. On 8th of February 2019, Union Health Ministry conducted its 8th round of NDD across the country to reduce the prevalence of parasitic intestinal worms among children. During the programme, Albendazole tablets were orally administered to pre-school and school-going children in the age group of 1 to 19 years. As per the World Health Organization (WHO) report, 64% of the Indian population less than 14 years are at risk of Soil-Transmitted Helminths (STH) infections. During this round, over 24 Crore Children and Adolescents will be covered.
Science – Inventions & Discoveries
1. What African-American inventor received 5 patents in the field of shoemaking?

A. Elijah McCoy B. Jan Ernst Matzeliger C. Ernest Just D. Lewis Latimer

Answer: Option (B)
Explanation: Matzeliger never benefited financially from his inventions. He died in 1889 at the age of 37 from tuberculosis.
2. It travels over land and water. Who invented the HOVERCRAFT?

A. S. Sperrow B. O. Stricheg C. T. Henman D. C. Cockerell

Answer: Option (D)
Explanation: Christopher Cockerell invented the hovercraft in 1956. His early experiments with the idea involved a cat food tin, a coffee tin, and an industrial blower.
3. In which decade was the AEEE (now the IEEE) founded?

A. 1850s B. 1880s C. 1930s D. 1950s

Answer: Option (B)
Explanation: The IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) was formed in 1963 by the merger of the Institute of Radio Engineers (IRE, founded 1912) and the American Institute of Electrical Engineers (AIEE, founded 1884).
4. What Sir Isaac Newton invented?

A. Reflecting telescope B. Chronometer C. Microscope D. Spectacles

Answer: Option (A)
5. Who invented the Bicycle?

A. Leo H Baekeland B. Karl Benz C. Evangelista Torricelli D. Kirkpatrick Macmillan

Answer: Option (D)
International & National Organizations
1. India was elected as a President of General Assembly of the United Nations in 1953. Who occupied this office on behalf of India?

A. S. Radha Krishnan B. Gopalswamy Iyyengar C. V.K. Krishna Menon D. Vijayalakshmi Pandit

Answer: Option (D)
2. The Indian delegation to the first World Conference on Human Rights was led by

A. Dr. Manmohan Singh B. Farooq Abdullah C. Dinesh Singh D. Alam Khan

Answer: Option (A)
3. Which of the following international organizations has started the scheme 'Partnership for Peace' for a group of nations?

A. Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) B. Economic and Social Commission for Asia and Pacific (ESCAP) C. North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) D. Organizations of African Unity (OAU)

Answer: Option (C)
4. The headquarters of the International Labour Organization is at

A. Paris B. New York C. Hague D. Geneva

Answer: Option (D)
5. Where is the permanent secretariat of the SAARC?

A. Kathmandu B. New Delhi C. Islamabad D. Colombo

Answer: Option (A)
Books and Authors
1. Famous book ' The Return of the Native ' is written by

A. Thomas Hardy B. Bill Gates C. M.M.Kaya D. Lioy Douglas

Answer: Option (A)
2. Who is the author of the book 'WE INDIANS'

A. Khushwant Singh B. Mulk Raj Anand C. Nirad C. Chaudhary D. Subramanya Swamy

Answer: Option (A)
3. The book " Truth, love and A Little Malice " is written by

A. Tarun Tejpal B. Vikram Seth C. Khushwant Singh D. Nirad C. Chaudhuri

Answer: Option (C)
4. Who is the author of the book "Flaming Tresses of Draupadi"?

A. Smriti Irani B. Veerappa Moily C. Mallikarjun Kharge D. None

Answer: Option (B)
5. What is Harry Potter's owl's name

A. Hedwig B. Honey Dukes C. Money Duke D. Eagle

Answer: Option (A)
Countries & Capitals
1. What is the capital city of Madagascar?

A. New Madagascar B. Old Madagascar C. Mada D. Antananarivo

Answer: Option (D)
2. What is the capital city of Malta?

A. Malta B. Valetta C. Spaniana D. Los Malta

Answer: Option (B)
3. What is the capital of Mauritius?

A. Port Mary B. Port Elisabeth C. Port Frances D. Port Louis

Answer: Option (D)
4. What is the capital of Montenegro?

A. Pellegrino B. Pottocino C. Poju D. Podgorica

Answer: Option (D)
5. What is the capital of Namibia?

A. Namib B. Duarte C. Dadat D. Windhoek

Answer: Option (D)