First Test Run of a Vehicle with B100 Marine Microalgal Biodiesel

Vilasrao Deshmukh, Minister, Science & Technology and Earth Sciences and VP, CSIR today flagged-off test-run of a fully loaded TAVERA (a regular diesel vehicle) on neat (B100) “microalgal biodiesel” from CSIR Headquarters, New Delhi. Secretary, DSIR & DG, CSIR Prof. Samir K. Brahmachari and Secretary, MoES Dr. Shailesh Nayak were present on the occasion. 

Shri Vilasrao Deshmukh said that in a significant advancement in this NMITLI project, I am given to understand that proof of concept for running a regular diesel vehicle on B20 biodiesel from marine microalgal source was achieved last year. 

The Minister announced that as part of another development in this project, a 200 km test-run of a regular vehicle on neat (B100) biodiesel from marine microalgal source is being performed today. This development is very important for us as fossil fuels are depleting day by day. 

The “microalgal biodiesel” was produced from a marine microalgal strain cultivated in a solar saltpan. The endeavour is the outcome of an ambitious project initiated in April 2010 under the CSIR-New Millennium Indian Technology Leadership Initiative (CSIR-NMITLI) by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in collaboration with the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) that seeks to develop a scalable process for production of biofuel from marine microalgae. 

Scientists from nine partnering Institutions spread across the country, such as Andhra University (AU), Vishakhapatnam; Calcutta University (CU), Kolkata; CSIR-Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute (CSIR-CSMCRI), Bhavnagar; CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad; Indian Institute of Technology, Khargpur (IIT-Kgp); CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), Pune; CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography (CSIR-NIO), Goa; National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), Chennai; and CSIR-National Institute of Interdisciplinary Science & Technology (CSIR-NIIST), Thiruvananthapuram are participating in the aforesaid endeavour. 

In an important milestone achieved last year, the TAVERA (a regular diesel vehicle) under full load condition was successfully test-driven on B20 biodiesel prepared from mats of marine microalgae found growing naturally in the west coast of India. The test-run on neat (B100) microalgal biodiesel is yet another significant advancement. 

With growing demand of liquid fuels for transportation purpose and concerns around fossil fuels, the CSIR-NMITLI project is of much importance. However, considerable efforts will be required to move up the learning curve to make such fuel available on large scale at affordable price. 

Per Capita Power Consumption

The per capita consumption of electricity in the country during the year 2009-10 was 778.63 kWh per annum as against the global average of 2730 kWh for the year 2009. 

As per the National Electricity Policy 2005, per capita availability of electricity is to be increased to over 1000 units by 2012. However, it is estimated that per capita consumption in the country would reach 1257 units by the end of the 12th Plan (2016-17). 

As per the report of Working Group on Power for the 12th Plan, capacity addition requirement during 12th Plan is 75,785 MW on all India basis, based on the Mid-Term Appraisal capacity addition target of 62,374 MW during 11th Plan. The capacity of 75,785 MW comprises 9,204 MW hydro, 63,781 MW thermal and 2,800 MW nuclear capacity. In addition, a grid interactive renewable capacity addition of about 18,500 MW during 12th Plan has been considered for the generation planning studies. 

Several steps have been taken to improve the power situation including per capita power availability in the country. These include delicensing of thermal generation, introduction of Ultra-Mega Power Projects (UMPP), investor friendly New Hydro Policy 2008, initiatives for augmentation of domestic manufacturing capacity of power plant equipment, adoption of super-critical technologies, liberalization of mega power policy, enhancing availability of skilled and trained manpower and acceleration in generation capacity addition. 

This information was given by the Minister of State for Power Shri K.C.Venugopal in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha.

Welfare Schemes for Women

A number of welfare schemes for women have been undertaken by the Government of India. The details of such schemes under implementation by Ministry of Women and Child Development are as under:

      i.          RAJIV GANDHI NATIONAL CRECHE SCHEME FOR THE CHILDREN OF WORKING MOTHERS (RGNCS) provides day care facilities to the children in the age group 0-6 years from families with monthly income of less than 12000/-. In addition to being a safe space for the children, the crèches provide services such as supplementary nutrition, pre-school education and emergency health care, etc.

    ii.          CENTRAL SOCIAL WELFARE BOARD : The main women welfare Related schemes and programmes being implemented by CSWB are as under:-

·      Family Counselling Centres: It was introduced in 1983.  The centres provide counselling, referral and rehabilitative services to women and children who are victims of atrocities, family maladjustment and social ostracism. They also provide crisis intervention and trauma counsellingin case of natural disasters.

·      Awareness Generation Programme: This scheme aims at creating awareness amongst women and the community at large on rights, status and problems of women in particular and other social concerns.

·      Condensed courses of education for women: This scheme caters to the needs of girls/women who could not join mainstream education system or who were drop outs from formal schools.  The scheme aims to provide educational opportunities to girls/women above the age of 15 years along with additional inputs of skill development/vocational training.  The contents of the course are need based and modified according to local requirement.

  iii.          NATIONAL MISSION FOR EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN (NMEW) is an initiative of the Government of India for empowering women holistically. It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme sanctioned in April 2011 and acts as an umbrella Mission with a mandate to strengthen inter-sectoral convergence and facilitate the process of coordination of all the women’s welfare and socio-economic development programmes across Ministries and Departments. NMEW is being implemented in all the 35 States and Union Territories.

  iv.          WORKING WOMEN’S HOSTEL (WWH) Scheme envisages provision of safe and affordable hostel accommodation to working women, single working women, women working at places away from their home-towns and for women being trained for employment. The scheme has been revised recently.

    v.          SUPPORT TO TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMME (STEP) for Women was launched as a Central Sector Scheme during 1986-87. It aims at making a significant impact on women by upgrading skills for self and wage employment. The target group includes the marginalized assetless rural Women and urban poor. This also includes wage labourers, unpaid daily workers, female headed households, migrantlabourers, tribal and other dispossessed groups, with special focus on SC/ST households, women headed households and families below the poverty line.

  vi.          RASHTRIYA MAHILA KOSH (RMK) with a corpus of Rs.100 crore extends micro-finance services to bring about the socio-economicupliftment of poor women. Credit is provided to the poor women beneficiaries through Intermediary Microfinancing Organisations (IMOs) working at grass root level such as NGOs, Women Federations, Co-operatives, not for profit companies registered under Section 25 of the Companies Act and other Voluntary/Civil society organisations etc. by following a client friendly, simple, without collateral, for livelihood and income generation activities, housing and micro-enterprises.

vii.          WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT AND LIVELIHOOD PROGRAMME IN MID-GANGETIC PLAIN (WELP) also calledPriyadarshini is being implemented with assistance of International Fund for Agricultural Development in 13 Blocks spread over 5 Districts in Uttar Pradesh i.e. Bahraich, CSM Nagar, Raebareli, Shravasti and Sultanpur and 2 Districts Madhubani and Sitamarhi in Bihar. It aims at holistic empowerment of vulnerable groups of women and adolescent girls in the project area through formation of Women’s Self Help Groups (SHGs) and promotion of improved livelihood opportunities. Over 1,00,000 households are to be covered under the project and 7,200 SHGs will be formed during the project period ending 2016-17. The beneficiaries are expected to be empowered to address their political, legal and health issues through rigorous capacity building. National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development is the lead programme agency for implementation of theprogramme which became effective in December 2009.  

viii.          INDIRA GANDHI MATRITVA SAHYOG YOJANA (IGMSY) is a Conditional Cash Transfer scheme for pregnant and lactating (P&L) women introduced in the October 2010 to contribute to better enabling environment by providing cash incentives for improved health and nutrition to pregnant and nursing mothers. It envisages providing cash to P&L women during pregnancy and lactation in response to individual fulfilling specific conditions. It addresses short term income support objectives with long term objective of behaviour and attitudinal change.  The scheme attempts to partly compensate for wage loss to P&L women both prior to and after delivery of the child. The scheme is being implemented initially on pilot basis in 52 selected districts using the platform of ICDS. 12.5 lakh P&L women are expected to be covered every year under IGMSY. The beneficiaries are paid  4000/ in three  instalments per P&L women between the second trimester till the child attains the age of 6 months on fulfilling specific conditions related to maternal and child health .

  ix.          SWADHAR GREH SCHEME: The Ministry of Women and Child Development had been administering Swadhar scheme since 2001 for Women in difficult circumstances. Under the Scheme, temporary accommodation, maintenance and rehabilitative services are provided to women and girls rendered homeless due to family discord, crime, violence, mental stress, social ostracism. Another scheme with similar objectives/target groups namely Short Stay Home (SSH) was being implemented by Central Social Welfare Board.  Being similar in objectives and target groups, both the schemes have been merged to Swadhar Greh scheme with revised financial parameters.

    x.          UJJAWALA is a comprehensive scheme for prevention of trafficking and rescue, rehabilitation and reintegration of victims of trafficking for commercial sexual exploitation. Funds are released to NGOs as the scheme is being implemented mainly through NGOs.

Deep-sea space hunt

Long before Amazon.com founder Jeff Bezos became an Internet mogul, he was enthralled by the mysteries of space.

As a five-year-old, Mr. Bezos, along with half a billion people around the world, watched in awe as American astronaut Neil Armstrong took the first step on the moon in 1969.

More than 40 years later, the billionaire will attempt to haul from the dark depths of the Atlantic at least one of the mammoth rocket engines that helped boost the Apollo 11 astronauts into history.

Using high-tech sonar, an expedition spearheaded by Mr. Bezos has discovered what he claimed were discarded engines from the mission lurking 4,300 metres deep.

In an online announcement on Wednesday, Mr. Bezos said he was drawing up plans to recover the sunken engines, part of the mighty Saturn V rocket that launched Mr. Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins on their moon mission. The five engines dropped into the sea as planned minutes after liftoff in 1969. Four days later, Mr. Armstrong and Mr. Aldrin walked on the moon. “We don't know yet what condition these engines might be in,” he wrote. “They hit the ocean at high velocity and have been in salt water for more than 40 years. On the other hand, they're made of tough stuff, so we'll see.”

Mr. Bezos acknowledged the engines were the property of NASA, but said he hoped they will be displayed in museums. NASA expressed excitement about the find. The space agency said it has not been formally contacted by Mr. Bezos and waited for more information.

The sea floor is littered with spent rockets and flight parts from missions dating back to the dawn of the Space Age and it is unknown what survived decades later.

BRICS nations sign pact for local currency facility

In an effort to reduce the transaction costs of intra-BRICS trade, the five-member emerging economies’ group on March 29  inked a pact to extend credit in the respective local currency.

The agreement, signed at the conclusion of the fourth BRICS Summit here, is intended to reduce the demand for fully convertible currencies for transactions between Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS).

The Group also signed an agreement on Letter of Credit (LC) Confirmation Facility which envisages confirmation of LCs on receipt of a request from an exporter, exporter’s bank or importer’s bank.

Easier business visas

Addressing the Summit, the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, called for greater interaction amongst our business communities. “Issues such as easier business visas must be prioritised. As large trading countries, BRICS countries have a strong interest in removing barriers to trade and investment flows and avoiding protectionist measures,” he added.

Survey ranks TMB best among old pvt sector banks

 

Tamilnad Mercantile Bank (TMB) has been ranked the best among the old private sector banks.

A press release from Mr S. Selvan Rajadurai, General Manager, Business Development, TMB Head Office (Tuticorin), said Ernst and Young was the knowledge partner to the Financial Express in the survey to select India’s best banks in 2011.

Ranks were individually given for each category of bank, including nationalised banks, old private sector banks, new private sector banks and foreign banks, he said.

Parameters of profitability, efficiency, credit quality, strength, and growth were taken into account for the selection, says a release.

China welcomes India’s commitment on two sources of friction

China on March 30 said it welcomed commitments made by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during talks  that India would neither participate in any “containment strategy" aimed at China nor allow anti-China activities by exiled Tibetans.

In a reflection of what Beijing views as among the two more delicate issues facing the bilateral relationship with New Delhi – India's ties with the U.S. and Tibet – the Chinese Foreign Ministry highlighted Dr. Singh’s comments as suggesting an increase in political trust between the neighbours.

The Indian Prime Minister conveyed that “India has no intention and will not participate in any strategy aimed at containing China" in Thursday’s meeting with Chinese President Hu Jintao in New Delhi on the sidelines of the BRICS (Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa) Summit, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei said at a briefing.

Chinese officials and analysts have in recent months expressed concern that the U.S. “pivot" to Asia and strengthening of alliances with countries in the region was aimed at China. Many commentaries in the

State media have also debated India’s role in any U.S. strategy.

Mr. Hong said Dr. Singh had also stated that India “recognised Tibet as an inalienable part of Chinese territory and will not allow Tibetans to engage in anti-China activities”.

Protests against Mr. Hu’s visit by Tibetans in India, including a self-immolation that claimed the life of 27-year-old Jamphel Yeshi, reflected the continuing sensitivity of the Tibet issue amid on-going unrest in Tibetan areas in China, which have seen at least 30 self-immolations in the past year.

While Chinese officials and State media have blamed the exiled Dalai Lama for the protests, Indian and Chinese officials have said both sides were working hard to "manage" the issue to insulate bilateral ties from it. Mr. Hu, on likely his last visit to India ahead of a once-in-decade leadership transition in Beijing, said it was China’s “unswerving policy” to deepen strategic cooperation and build “a more dynamic China-India relationship”, Mr. Hong said.

BRICS agreements

Chinese officials and the media on Friday also welcomed agreements reached at the BRICS summit on financial cooperation. "This summit has clearly not been a wasted opportunity and has been successful in advancing cooperation, consultation and coordination among the member countries," the official China Daily said in an editorial.

The deal between banks of five countries to formalise cooperation in local currency lending would “further facilitate trade and investment”, Chen Yuan, chairman of the China Development Bank, was quoted as saying by the State-run Xinhua news agency.

“Using our own currencies to issue loans and settle payments can minimise exposure to exchange rate fluctuations, reduce our reliance on third-party currencies, and facilitate trade and investment,” he said, adding that member banks had “actively implemented” the framework agreement on financial cooperation agreed to at the previous summit in Sanya.

The five countries also agreed to ask their finance ministers to conduct feasibility studies into the setting up of a BRICS development bank and report back by the next summit. The agreement fell short of expectations that the Delhi Summit would yield a more concrete outcome on long-running discussion on the bank.

Mr. Hong rejected fears that the bank would be dominated by Chinese interests was an obstacle. “The setting up of the bank is to enhance the well-being of developing countries and is for the benefit of people in the developing countries,” he said. “I think this is a very meaningful endeavour, and such a step will contribute to investment, trade and development…China will like to play a positive role in this field.”

It was China's view that cooperation between the BRICS countries “sends a message of unity cooperation and win-win outcome to the outside world”, he said. “China believes that cooperation among BRICS countries will attain higher levels,” he added. "This will continue to play a constructive role in promoting global economic growth, improving global economic governance, and strengthening multilateralism and democracy in international relations”.

India, Brazil to step up efforts on UNSC reform

Seeking a greater global role, India and Brazil today agreed to step up efforts towards global reform, particularly of the U.N. Security Council.

The two countries also agreed to further strengthen the bilateral strategic partnership and exploit full potential in areas such as trade, education, defence, space and nuclear energy.

During their 90-minute talks, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff also set a trade target of 15 billion dollars by 2015 and noted that bilateral trade and investment had grown by leaps and bounds.

The two sides also signed six documents to enhance cooperation in the fields of science and technology, education and culture.

Noting that India and Brazil had emerged as “new growth poles” of the evolving global economy, Dr. Singh said he and Ms. Rousseff agreed to enhance consultations on reform of global governance system, particularly in the context of U.N. reforms and in the G-20 process.

“We have agreed to step up our efforts, particularly towards the reform of the United Nations Security Council as G-4 partners,” the Prime Minister said.

The two leaders also undertook a comprehensive review of bilateral relations, including the work of the inter-governmental Joint Commission Meeting which met last December in New Delhi.

“We directed our officials to take specific steps to exploit the full potential in areas such as trade, education, science and technology, environment, defence, space and nuclear energy,” the Prime Minister said.

Global developments

Dr. Singh said he discussed various global developments with Ms. Rousseff and there was high degree of convergence in their perspectives.

“We are convinced that a resolution to the crisis in West Asia can only be achieved through dialogue and consultations,” Dr. Singh said.

Noting that the two countries shared common perspectives on environmental issues, Dr. Singh assured Ms. Rousseff of India’s full support to make the Rio+20 Conference on sustainable development, to be hosted by Brazil in June, a success.

Noting that bilateral trade and investment flows have grown by leaps and bounds, Dr. Singh said he and Ms. Rousseff were in “full agreement that these can be enhanced even further.”

“We agreed to take measures to promote greater business interaction,” he said.

The two countries also decided to reconstitute the India-Brazil CEOs Forum. Bilateral trade reached an unprecedented figure of USD 9.2 billion in 2011.

India and Brazil also agreed to exchange experiences in the field of implementing various social welfare programmes.

Dr. Singh appreciated Ms. Rousseff’s initiative ‘Science without Borders’, which is aimed at upgrading scientific and technological talent.

“We look forward to receive Brazilian students in our institutes of science and engineering,” he said. A Memorandum of Understanding in this regard was signed after the meeting of the two leaders.

Fourth BRICS (BRAZIL, Russia, India, China and South Africa) Summit was held in New Delhi

The Fourth BRICS Summit was held in New Delhi on 29 March 2012. The theme of the Summit was BRICS Partnership for Global Stability, Security and Prosperity. At the Summit, the Leaders of the BRICS countries discussed political, economic and social issues of mutual and international interest.
The Summit took forward the continuing efforts towards strengthening cooperation, consultation and coordination among the BRICS countries for the benefit of their peoples and of the international community.

CURRENT AFFAIRS MCQs

1. The union government of India on 1 February 2012 gave the approval for setting up a National Council for Senior Citizens. It will be headed by the minister of____
a) External Affairs
b) Social Justice and Empowerment
c) Home
d) Finance
Answer: (b) Social Justice and Empowerment

2.  As per the latest Sample registration System( SRS) bulletin, December 2011 released by the Registrar General of India(RGI), it is noted that Infant Mortality Rate(IMR) dropped further from __ to __ infant deaths per 1000 live births during 2010.
a) 50; 47
b) 52; 49
c) 53; 48
d) 48; 47
Answer: (a) 50; 47

3. In the period from January to November 2011, Sri Lanka received just over 7.5 lakh tourists. Of this, over 1.5 lakh were Indians. Indians constituted about what per cent of the tourists to Sri Lanka in 2011?
a.    20%
b.    11%
c.    27%
d.    31%
Answer: (a)


4. The Review Committee on the Delhi School Education Act and Rules 1973 submitted its report to Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit on 30 January 2012. Which of the following facts are not true in this regard?
1.    The committee was chaired by legal expert Manish Kumar Gaur. The other members of the committee were Abha Joshi and Shailja Chandra.
2.    The committee’s report is aimed at bringing about purposeful amendments to the Act and related rules
3.     The committee, constituted in April 2011 was mandated to examine all issues related to DSEAR-73
4.    It suggested a new concept of conducting school inspections with the primary focus being on the learning outcomes of children.
a.    2 & 3
b.    3 & 4
c.    Only 3
d.    Only 1
Answer: (d)

5.    Freedom fighter and one of the doyens of Indian diplomacy who was an architecht of of the 1971 Indo-Soviet Treaty passed away in New Delhi on 31 january 2012. Identify him.
a.    A K Damodaran
b.    Prakash Shah
c.    Bali Ram Bhagat
d.    Shyam Nandan Prasad Mishra
Answer: (a)
6.    Which electronic gadget maker predicting a fourth consecutive year of losses, named Kazuo Hirai as chief executive officer, replacing Howard Stringer?
a.    Sony
b.    Samsung Electronics
c.    Videocon
d.    Hitachi
Answer: (a)

7.    Binani Industries, the holding company of Braj Binani group, cquired a Belgian fibreglass company for 275 million euros. The Belgian company is a leading manufacturer of fibreglass in Europe. Name the Belgian company.
1.    1B
2.    2B
3.    3B
4.    F2B
Answer: (c)

8.    Which state run company signed an agreement with its trade unions for increase in the wages under which minimum guaranteed benefit would be 25% of gross?
a.    BHEL
b.    CIL
c.    IOC
d.    ONGC
Answer: (b)

9.    Which of the following banks filed a criminal complaint against Sterling Biotech, and its six directors, for allegedly defaulting on repayments on credit facilities provided by the public sector lender?
a.    State Bank of Travancore
b.    State Bank of Mysore
c.    State Bank of Patiala
d.    State Bank of Indore
Answer: (b)

10.    Shailesh Rao, managing director (media & platforms) at Google’s Asia-Pacific operations, left the world’s biggest Internet search company to set up the international business of which of the following companies?
a.    Yahoo
b.    Rediffmail
c.    Skype
d.    Twitter
Answer: (d)
11.    United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN-DESA) data for 150 countries over 40 years showed which two countries as the only two countries in the world where female infant mortality is higher than male infant mortality in the 2000s?
a.    Venezuela & Cambodia
b.    Nigeria & Ghana
c.    China & India
d.    Indonesia & China
Answer: (c)

12.  The fifth edition of the world future energy summit was held in Abu Dhabi from 16 to 19 January 2012. Abu Dhabi is the capital of ___.
a) UAE
b) UK
c) Iraq
d) Iran
Answer:  (a) UAE

13.  Kamla Persad Bissessar visited India from 5 January 2012 to 14 January 2012. Consider the following statements on her.
i) She is the seventh Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago.
ii) She is the country’s first female Prime Minister.
Choose the right option:
a)    Both i and ii are correct.
b)    Only i is correct.
c)    Only ii is correct.
d)    Neither i nor ii is correct.
Answer:  (a) Both i and ii are correct

14. What is SHADE?
a) A new pact among the naval forces of India, Japan and China
b) A new pact among the armed forces of India, Japan and China
c) A new pact among the naval forces of India, Japan and Russia
d) A new pact among the armed forces of India, Japan and Russia
Answer: (a) A new pact among the naval forces of India, Japan and China


15.    Market regulator, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) on 28 January 2012 decided to enhance the minimum investment amount per client managed by portfolio managers. Which of the following facts are not true with respect to the above statement?
2.    SEBI decided to enhance the minimum investment amount per client managed by portfolio managers to Rs.25 lakh from Rs.5 lakh
3.    insurance companies and mutual funds, which are broad-based investment vehicles representing the interests of the public at large to be included in the provisions of SEBI (Issue of Capital and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations
4.    As per the current norm, SEBI (ICDR) Regulations preclude companies from issuing preferential allotment to entities which have sold any of their holdings during the six months prior to the relevant date
5.    SEBI approved changes in the SEBI (Mutual Fund) Regulations, 1996, which ask the asset management companies (AMCs) to ensure a fair treatment to all investors.
a.    Only 1
b.    Only 2
c.    Only 3
d.    Only 4
Answer: (b)

16. The Union government in January 2012 decided to subscribe to preferential equity shares issued by which of the two public sector banks?
a.    SBI & PNB
b.    PNB & Union Bank
c.    SBI & UCO
d.    Bank of Baroda & Canara Bank
Answer: (a)

17. According to the data released by the Commerce and Industry Ministry on 30 January 2012, the growth rate of eight core industries slowed down to what per cent in December 2011 from 6.3 per cent in December 2010?
a.    2.5%
b.    3.1 %
c.    4%
d.    5.2%
Answer: (b)

18. The apex decision-making body of the communications ministry, the Telecom Commission decided to allow mobile phone companies to share spectrum. Identify the statement which is incorrect.
1.    The Commission has however limited this facility to 3G airwaves alone
2.    Only those operators that have airwaves in a particular region can share it. Spectrum can be shared only between two spectrum holders
3.    Two companies can share airwaves only if their combined holdings do not exceed the limits prescribed in the M&A norms
4.    Spectrum sharing deals will also have to be renewed every five years
a.    Only 4
b.    Only 2
c.    Only 1
d.    2 & 3
Answer: (c)

19.    The Union government on 31 January 2012 revised the economic growth rate for 2010-2011 financial year to what percent in comparison to the previous estimate of 8.5 percent?
a.    8%
b.    8.4%
c.    7.5%
d.    7%
Answer: (b)


20.    Which team coached by R R Jadeja won its second consecutive Ranji Trophy title by defeating Tamil Nadu  at the MA Chidambaram stadium on 23 January 2012?
a.    Karnataka
b.    West Bengal
c.    Andhra Pradesh
d.    Rajasthan
Answer: (d)

21.    Which Australian batsman was honoured with Austrlia’s  highest civil honour - an officer (AO) in the general division of the Order of Australia for distinguished service to the sport of cricket as a leading player?
a.    Ricky Ponting
b.    Adam Gilchrist
c.    Michael Hussey
d.    Andrew Symonds
Answer: (a)

22.    The 2012 men’s final of the Australian Open went past the 2008 Wimbledon final time record, finishing after 5 hours and 53 minutes of play. Who emerged winner in the epic final?
a.    Andy Murray
b.    Roger Federer
c.    Novak Djokovic
d.    Rafael Nadal
Answer: (c)

23.    Name the woman tennnis player who won her win first Grand Slam title by winning in the finals of of the Australian Open 2012.
a.    Victoria Azarenka
b.    Svetlana Kuznetsova 
c.    Maria Sherapova
d.    Caroline Wozniacki
Answer: (a)

24.    Which of the following table tennis players won his maiden national title by defeating a six time champion in the final of the 73rd Senior National and Inter-State Table Tennis Championships in Lucknow on 29 January 2012?
a.    A Sharath Kamal
b.    A Amalraj
c.    N Ganeshan
d.    T.Raju
Answer: (b)


25.    The White House on 10 February 2012 named India's renowned economist as the  receipient of the 2011 US National Humanities Medal. Identify him.
a.    Montek Singh Ahluwalia
b.    C. Rangarajan
c.    Usha Thorat
d.    Amartya Sen
Answer: (d)

26.    Singer and actress Whitney Houston died on 11 February 2012 in a Beverly Hills hotel room California. Which of the facts about her are not true?
1.    Houston is a winner of six Grammy Awards including record of the year for I Will Always Love You and album of the year for The Bodyguard
2.    Houston's 1985 debut album Whitney Houston became the best-selling debut album by a female act at the time of its release. The album was named Rolling Stone's best album of 1986, and was ranked at number 254 on Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time
3.    She had made her national televised debut alongside Davis on Gimme a Break.
4.    She had won her first Grammy award for Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female for Saving All My Love for You.
5.    She is the first artist to have two number-one Billboard 200 Album awards (formerly "Top Pop Album") on the Billboard magazine year-end charts.
a.    1 & 5
b.    Only 2
c.    Only 5
d.    2 & 4
Answer: (c)

27.    The sixty-fifth annual British Academy Film awards, the BAFTA’s was held at the Royal Opera House in London 12 February 2012. Which film swept the award ceremony winning a total of 6 awards?
a.    The Iron Lady
b.    The Artist
c.    We Need to Talk About Kevin
d.    Hugo
Answer: (b)

28.    This British singer with six nominations, won all six awards at 54th Annual Grammy Awards held on 12 February 2012 for the album 21, thus tying Beyoncé's record for most wins by a female artist in one night. Identify the singer.
a.    Bon Iver
b.    Lady Gaga
c.    Adele
d.    Whitney Houston
Answer: (c)

29.    Pakistani archaeologists discovered a rare Indus Valley civilization-era seal in steatite dating back to 2500-2000 BC from the Cholistan area of which of the following province in Pakistan?
a.    Punjab Privince
b.    Balochistan
c.    Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
d.    FATA
Answer: (a)


30.    There were as many as 1359 foreigners, who availed themselves of the Visa on Arrival scheme in January compared with 790 in January 2011. What was the per centage growth recorded in number of foreigners availing Visa on Arrival (VoA) scheme in January 2012?
a.    70%
b.    72%
c.    75%
d.    82%
Answer: (b)

31.    As per the provisional figures of exports released on 9 February 2012, India’s exports in January 2012 rose to what per cent to $25.4 billion?
a.    10.1%
b.    7%
c.    12.32%
d.    8.3%
Answer: (a)

32.    Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on 14 February 2012, issued the ‘Draft Circular for Deployment of White Label Automated Teller Machines (WLAs) from non-bank entities. Which of the following facts related to this statement is/are not true?
1.    The WLA operator can choose the location of the WLA. However, it will have to adhere to annual targets and the ratio of WLA between Tier I &II and Tier III-VI centres that may be stipulated by the RBI.
2.    Non-bank entities proposing to set up WLAs have to apply to the RBI seeking authorisation under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act 2007
3.    The non-banking entities should have a minimum net worth of Rs. 1000 crore at the time of making the application and on a continuing basis after issue of the requisite authorisation.
4.    Being non-bank owned ATMs, the guidelines on five free transactions in a month for using other bank ATMs will not be applicable for transactions made on the WLAs.
5.    The WLA operator will have to declare one Sponsor Bank, which will serve as the Settlement Bank for the settlement of all the service transactions at the WLAs.
a.    2 & 5
b.    Only 1
c.    Only 3
d.    Only 5
Answer: (c)

33.    Empowered Group of Ministers (EGoM) headed by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on 15 February 2012 approved the auction route for selling 5 per cent stake in state-run oil major?
a.    IOC
b.    ONGC
c.    HPCL
d.    BPCL
Answer: (b)

34.    As per official data released on 14 February 2012, headline inflation eased to a 26-month low in January 2012 from 7.47 per cent in December 2011 on the back of further fall in vegetable prices. What did the headline inflation stand at in January 2012?
a.    6.55%
b.    5.33%
c.    5.75%
d.    7.1%
Answer: (a)
 1.    Name the veteran hindi film music composer Rajesh Roshan was honoured with the Lata Manageshkar award by the Madhya Pradesh government on 8 February 2012.
a.    A R Rehman
b.    Rajesh Roshan
c.    Adnan Sami
d.    Leslie Lewis
Answer: (b)

35.    Noted Hindi writer Professor Ramdarash Mishra was selected for the 21st Vyas Samman for his poetry collection. For which of his poetry collection was he selected for the award?
a.    Pak gai hai dhoop
b.    Path ke Geet 
c.    Kandhe par Suraj
d.    Aam Ke Patte
Answer: (d)

36.    Renowned Urdu poet  and noted lyricist of Umrao Jaan, Akhlaq Mohammad Khan passed away in Aligarh on 13 February 2012 after battling lung cancer. Which of the facts about the poet given below are not true?
1.    Akhlaq Mohammad Khan wrote under the pen name 'Shahryar'
2.    Shahryar started his career as a literary assistant at Anjuman Tarraqqi-e-Urdu. He then went on to join Jamia Millia Islamia, as a lecturer in Urdu and rose to become the chairman of the Urdu Department
3.    Shahryar had received the Jnanpith Award, India's highest literary award, in the year 2008.
4.    He edited the literary magazine Sher-o-Hikmat. In 1987 he received the Sahitya Akademy Award in Urdu for his poetry collection, `Khwab Ka Dar Band Hai'
a.    1 & 3
b.    Only 3
c.    Only 2
d.    3 & 4
Answer: (c)

37.    44th Session of Indian Labour Conference was held on 14 – 15th February, 2012 under the chairmanship of Shri Mallikarjun Kharge, Union Minister of Labour & Employment. Which of the facts given below are not true about the conference?
1.    The conference was inaugurated by the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh
2.    The Conference deliberated upon very topical and critical issues viz., (i) Minimum Wages, (ii) Social Security and (iii) Employability and Employment.
3.    The first such tripartite consultation at the national level was held in 1942 as the Tripartite National Labour Conference – subsequently renamed as Indian Labour Conference since 1944
4.    45 Sessions of Indian Labour Conference have been held so far to discuss prominent labour related issues.
a.    Only 4
b.    2 & 3
c.    1& 3
d.    Only 3
Answer: (a)

38.    Name the senior BJP leader and Higher Education Minister of Karnataka who died in Bangalore on 14 February 2012 following a massive cardiac arrest.
a.    Katti Ramesh Vishwanath
b.    G.S.Basavaraj
c.    K.H. Muniyappa
d.    V S Acharya
Answer: (d)


39. Consider the following statements and using the code given below identify the personality with whom these statements are associated
1.    He was the founder of Max Telecom
2.    He is the founder and Chairman of Max India
3.    He has been appointed the Non-Executive Chairman of Vodafone India
4.    He is a veteran of Telecom Industry
(a).    Deepak Parekh
(b).    Sunil Bharati Mittal
(c).    KP Singh
(d).    Analjeet Singh
Answer: (d)

40. Which of the following Indian Telecom company on 16 February 2012     got the RBI nod for FCCB redemption?
(a).    Reliance Telecom
(b).    Uninor
(c).    Airtel
(d).    Vodafone
Answer: (a)

41. Cognizant which on 13 February 2012 inked a 5-year deal with Future Group is a
(a).    Logistic Company
(b).    Aviation Company
(c).    Online Retail Company
(d).    Technology Solution Company
Answer: (d)

42. Kintetsu World Express of Japan and Gati on 13 February 2012 entered into a Joint Venture  of which of the following sector?
(a).    Electronic Equipments
(b).    Supply Chain
(c).    Single Brand Retail
(d).    Technology Solution
Answer: (b)

43. Legrand, the French electronic and digital equipments company on 9 February 2012 acquired the UPS business of which of the following Indian brand?
(a).    Luminous
(b).    Onida
(c).    Numeric Power
(d).    Invertabular
Answer: (c)


44. Consider the following statements and using the code given below identify the personality with whom these statements are associated
1.    He is the Serbian National
2.    He holds number one position in world Tennis ranking
3.    He has been given the highest Serbian award, the Gold Star of Karadjordje on 15 February 2012
4.    He has five grand slam titles in his name
(a)    Novack Djokovik
(b)    Rafael Nadal
(c)    Roser Federar
(d)    Leton Hewit
Answer: (a)

45. Which of the following Indian company on 16 February 2012 withdrew its decision to quash all its ties with the BCCI
(a)    Reliance Industries
(b)    Essar
(c)    Sahara Group
(d)    Vodafone
Answer: (c)

46. Who was sacked as the Bowling Coach of Indian Cricket Team on 13 February 2012?
(a)    Garry Kirsten
(b)    Venkatesh Prasad
(c)    Eric Simons
(d)    Brad Hogg
Answer: (c)

47. India had appealed to the International Olympic Committee to withdraw the sponsorship of which company from the London Olympics
(a)    Dow Chemicals
(b)    Vodafone
(c)    General Motors
(d)    Google
Answer: (a)

48. Andrew Symonds, who announced his retirement from all the formats of cricket on 16 February 2012, is the player of
(a) England
(b) Newzeland
(c) Australia
(d) South Africa
Answer: (c)


49.    Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram inaugurated the the fourth and final regional hub of the National Security Guard (NSG) in which of the following places on 23 February 2012
a.    Mumbai
b.    Imphal
c.    Srinagar
d.    Vishakhapattnam
Answer: (a)

50.    As a part of the Chacha Nehru Sehat Yojna (CNSY) Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit on 20 February 2012 launched a major State-wide de-worming campaign. Which of the following facts are not correct with respect to the de-worming campaign?
1.    The campaign aims to de-worm the children and save them from worm-infested diseases such as anaemia, malnutrition, and physical and mental retardation
2.    Delhi Government had earlier conducted a study and found that the average prevalence of soil-transmitted worms was around 16 per cent
3.    To overcome this, all school-age children of Delhi Government schools, Municipal Corporation Delhi schools, New Delhi Municipal Council schools, Delhi Cantonment Board schools, pre-school children in Anganwadi centres, and the adolescent girls of SABLA programme was given one dose of the de-worming medication on 21 february 2012, the de-worming day.
4.    The exercise was conducted in schools and Anganwadi centres, where the teachers and Anganwadi workers would administer mebendazole de-worming tablets to every child.
5.    The Chacha Nehru Sehat Yojna was introduced in September 2010 to provide health check-ups and free treatment to students studying in Delhi government, New Delhi Municipal Council, Municipal Corporation of Delhi and Delhi Cantonment Board schools
a.    3 & 4
b.    Only 4
c.    Only 5
d.    2 & 4
Answer: (c)

51.    The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) panel on priority sector lending on 21 February 2012 proposed increment in the target (priority sector) for foreign banks to 40% of net bank credit from the current level of 32 per cent with sub-targets of 15 per cent for exports and 15 per cent for the MSE sector. The committee was headed by which of the following members?
a.    M. V. Nair
b.    Dr. D. Subbarao
c.    Dr. K.C. Chakrabarty
d.    Subir Gokran
Answer: (a)

52. The new version of MGNREGA included more than 25 agriculture and allied activities.  The new version of the act will be implemented from___.
a) 1 April 2012
b) 1 May 2012
c) 1 June 2012
d) 1 July 2012
Answer:  (a) 1 April 2012

53. The Vice President Mohammed Hamid Ansari released a collection of poems titled LAVA in New Delhi. The poems were written by___.
a) Javed Akhtar
b) Hamid Ansari
c) Salman Rushdie
d) Salman Khan
Answer: (a) Javed Akhtar


54.  India asked which one of the following nations to bring in a national anti-piracy legislation for investigation and prosecution of suspected pirates?
a) Somalia
b) China
c) Egypt
d) Ghana
Answer: (a) Somalia

55.  India and Pakistan on 21 February 2012 agreed to extend the agreement to reduce the risk from accidents related to nuclear weapons for another___ years.
a) Five
b) Four
c) Three
d) Two
Answer: (a) Five

56. The largest  (12.76 carat) rough pink diamond ever found in Australia was discovered in a West Australian mine owned by Rio Tinto. What was diamond named?
a.    Argyle Pink Jubilee
b.    Williamson Pink
c.    Aurora Butterfly of Peace
d.    Eureka Diamond
Answer: (a)

57. A phase-two study of the World Bank’s crisis response, presented in a report, titled The World Bank’s Response to the Global Economic Crisis: Phase II was released on 23 February 2012. Which of the following facts stated below is incorrect with respect to the report?
1.    Low resource allocation at the start of the crisis and the assumption that all financing demands could be accommodated from existing patterns of lending had played a role in the Bank’s ultimate lending decisions.
2.    While equity-to-loan ratios of the Bank at the outset of the crisis were around 37.5 per cent, the recent financial figures released by the Bank for quarter closing September 2011 suggested it had come down to 29 per cent
3.    while much of the budget-support lending that the Bank undertook in India had helped signal the strength of public sector banks in the country, yet many of these public sector banks had capital adequacy ratios conforming to Indian government norms at the outset of crisis
4.    The lending phenomenon was driven by country demand for Bank lending, and hence countries that were most engaged with the Bank before the crisis tended to approach the Bank more and in some cases get loans more quickly
a.    1 & 3
b.    Only 2
c.    3 & 4
d.    Only 4
Answer: (b)

58.    Delhi High Court on 23 February 2012 dismissed a plea from the Centre challenging Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal’s (TDSAT) authority to stop which of the following bodies from enforcing a ban on 3G roaming pacts between telcos?
a.    Supreme Court
b.    HRD Ministry
c.    DoT
d.    Finance Ministry
Answer: (c)


59.    Cabinet Committee for Economic Affairs approved the National Dairy Development Board’s ambitious National Dairy Plan for the 12th Five-Year Plan to be initiated in 2012. Which of the following facts with regard to the statement is not true?
2.    The project is aimed at boosting milk production using scientific breeding and feeding programmes covering about 2.7 million milch animals in 40000 villages
3.    According to  the National Dairy Development Board, the demand for milk is likely to be about 150 million tonne by 2016-17 and 200-210 million tonne by 2021-22. India was the third largest milk producing nation in 2010-11 with a production of 100.2 million tonne.
4.    Cooperatives currently procure about 16% of the national marketable milk surplus covering around 21% of the country’s villages and 18% of rural milk producing households
5.    The cooperative sector is needed to achieve a procurement share of at least 20% of the marketable milk surplus by 2016-17 so as to retain an overall 50% share of the marketable surplus handled by the organised sector
a.    1 & 3
b.    Only 3
c.    Only 2
d.    3 & 4
Answer: (c)

60. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on13 February 2012 changed the bank rate, a medium-term signal rate after nine years with the objective to realign it with the marginal standing facility (MSF) rate as a one-time technical adjustment to link it with the main policy repo rate. What does the changed bank rate stand stand at?
a.    9.5%
b.    8.3%
c.    10.1%
d.    8%
Answer: (a)

61. As per the first nationwide retail inflation data released by the Centre of Statistical Office on 21 February 2012, inflation based on the all India Consumer Price Index stood at what per cent in January 2012?
a.    6.6%
b.    7.65
c.    8.32%
d.    5.50%
Answer: (b)

62. The Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Panel (PMEAC) on 22 February 2012 projected 7.5 - 8 per cent growth rate for the fiscal 2012-13. Which of the following facts are true with respect to the above statement?
1.    The economy recorded a growth rate of 8.4 per cent in 2010-11, which according to the CSO estimates is expected to moderate to 6.7 per cent in the current fiscal 2011-12
2.    Inflation was projected to moderate to 6.5% by March 2012 and 5-6 per cent in 2012-13.
3.    The manufacturing sector was projected to grow by 4.8 percent while construction segment is expected to expand by 5.3 percent.
4.    Projected Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth for 2012 is substantially down from the budgetary target of around nine percent, and 8.4 percent expansion registered in 201
a.    Only 4
b.    Only 1
c.    Only 2
d.    1, 2 & 4
Answer: (d)

63.    Reserve Bank of India (RBI) panel on priority sector lending on 21 February 2012 proposed increment in the target (priority sector) for foreign banks to what per cent of net bank credit from the current level of 32 per cent with sub-targets of 15 per cent for exports and 15 per cent for the MSE sector?
a.    53%
b.    40%
c.    46%
d.    39%
Answer: (b)


64.    Consider the following statements and using the code given below identify the personality with whom these statements are associated
2.    He is the Chairman of HDFC
3.    He has been given the Ernst & Young Lifetime Achievement Award 2011
4.    He is one of the pioneer in the Housing Finance in the country
5.    He is on the board of Castrol India Limited
(a)    Deepak Parekh
(b)    Rahul Bhatia
(c)    Ratan Tata
(d)    Analjeet Singh
Answer: (a)

65. Rahul Bhatia, who was chosen for Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award is the Managing Director of 
(a)    Qualcomm Communications
(b)    Jet Airways
(c)    Vodafone
(d)    InterGlobe Enterprises
Answer: (d)

66. Etisalat Which has initiated the legal proceeding against the promoters of Swan Telecom, its joint venture partner in India, is a
(a)    Baharain Based Company
(b)    UAE Based Company
(c)    Australia Based Company
(d)    Russia Based Company
Answer: (b)

67. The Competition Commission of India, under the Competition Act, 2002of Parliament, has been empowered to look into
(a)    high voltage merger and acquisition deals
(b)    market activities
(c)    security market tradings
(d)    client base of different companies
Answer: (a)

68. World’s largest two wheeler manufacturer Hero MotoCorp on 22 February 2012 inked a pact with Erik Buell Racing [EBR]. EBR is an
(a)    USA based company
(b)    UAE based company
(c)    Argentina based company
(d)    UK based company
Answer: (a)


69.Consider the following statements and using the code given below identify the personality with whom these statements are associated
1.    He is an Australian national
2.    He led the Australian cricket team twice to the world cup victory
3.    He has 30 centuries and 82 fifties in ODI in his name
4.    He on 21 February 2012 announced his retirement from the One day cricket
(a)    Andrew Simonds
(b)    Shane Watson
(c)    Ricky Ponting
(d)    Kevin Pieterson
Answer: (c)

70. Which of the following team defeated Indian women hockey team in the final match of London Olympic Qualifiers
(a)    South Africa
(b)    France
(c)    Australia
(d)    New Zealand
Answer: (a)

71. Dow Chemicals whose sponsorship to the London Olympics was highly protested in India is the parent company of 
(a)    Union Carbide
(b)    Etisalat
(c)    Vodafone
(d)    Coca Cola
Answer: (b)

72. Sania Mirza and Elena Vesnina suffered a crushing  defeat against top seeds Liezel Huber and Lisa Raymond and finished runners-up at the
(a)    Australian Open
(b)    WTA Dubai Open
(c)    Chennai Open
(d)    Korean Open
Answer: (b)

73.    Juan Martin Del Potro  of Argentina  won his 10th career ATP title by beating
(a)    Roger Federar
(b)    Rafael Nadal
(c)    Novac Djokovick
(d)    Michael Llodra
Answer: (d)
74.    According to data released by the ministry of commerce and industry on 28 February 2012, output of eight core segments that comprise the manufacturing sector dipped to 0.5% in January 2012, marking the slowest growth in three months. What is the total weight of the eight core segments in the index for industrial production (IIP)?
a.    42%
b.    37.9%
c.    53%
d.    51.4%
Answer: (b)

75.    The union government decided to boost public spending in the health sector to what per cent of GDP from the current 1.4 per cent over five years (12th Five Year Plan period begining 2012)?
a.    2.5%
b.    3%
c.    3.33%
d.    4.5%
Answer: (a)

76.    As per the data released by the Central Statistical organisation (CSO) on 29 February 2012, India’s economic growth rate dipped to what percent in the third quarter (october-december ) of 2011-12 due to poor performance of the manufacturing, mining and farm sectors?
a.    5.5%
b.    3.2%
c.    6.1%
d.    6.6%
Answer: (c)

77.    As per the data released by the Controller General of Accounts on 29 February 2012, fiscal deficit was 105 per cent of the total annual target in the April-January period of 2011-12. What did the deficit stand at?
a.    Rs 4 lakh crore
b.    Rs 3.33 lakh crore
c.    Rs 5.21 lakh crore
d.    Rs 4.34 lakh crore
Answer: (d)


78.  Scientists recently found the treatment for Glaucoma in rats. Glaucoma is an __ disease.
a) Eye
b) Ear
c) Lung
d) Skin
Answer: (a) Eye

79. Scientists identified two genes, which are linked to Parkinson’s. The genes are called__.
a) NACP and MAPT
b) NCAP and MPAT
c) NPAC and MTPA
d) NNCP and MMPA
Answer: (a) NACP and MAPT

80.  Erosion and diversion of Rushikulya river mouth in Odisha's Ganjam district seem to be posing a serious threat to the annual mass nesting of the endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles. Consider the following statements:
i) The olive ridley sea turtle is also known as the Pacific ridley.
ii) It is a species of sea turtle.
Choose the right option:
a)    Both i and ii are correct.
b)    Only i is correct.
c)    Only ii is correct.
d)    Neither i nor ii is correct.
Answer: (a) Both i and ii are correct

81. Which one of the following state governments imposed restrictions on the visit of foreign tourists to the areas inhabited by Tribals?
a) Odisha
b) Bihar
c) Madhya Pradesh
d) Uttar Pradesh
Answer: (a) Odisha

82. Indian black eagle was spotted in the Aravali Biodiversity park after a gap of __ years.
a) 90
b) 80
c) 70
d) 60
Answer: (a) 90


83.    According to data released by the ministry of commerce and industry on 28 February 2012, output of eight core segments that comprise the manufacturing sector dipped to 0.5% in January 2012, marking the slowest growth in three months. What is the total weight of the eight core segments in the index for industrial production (IIP)?
a.    42%
b.    37.9%
c.    53%
d.    51.4%
Answer: (b)

84.    The union government decided to boost public spending in the health sector to what per cent of GDP from the current 1.4 per cent over five years (12th Five Year Plan period begining 2012)?
a.    2.5%
b.    3%
c.    3.33%
d.    4.5%
Answer: (a)

85.    As per the data released by the Central Statistical organisation (CSO) on 29 February 2012, India’s economic growth rate dipped to what percent in the third quarter (october-december ) of 2011-12 due to poor performance of the manufacturing, mining and farm sectors?
a.    5.5%
b.    3.2%
c.    6.1%
d.    6.6%
Answer: (c)

86.    As per the data released by the Controller General of Accounts on 29 February 2012, fiscal deficit was 105 per cent of the total annual target in the April-January period of 2011-12. What did the deficit stand at?
a.    Rs 4 lakh crore
b.    Rs 3.33 lakh crore
c.    Rs 5.21 lakh crore
d.    Rs 4.34 lakh crore
Answer: (d)


87.  Scientists recently found the treatment for Glaucoma in rats. Glaucoma is an __ disease.
a) Eye
b) Ear
c) Lung
d) Skin
Answer: (a) Eye

88. Scientists identified two genes, which are linked to Parkinson’s. The genes are called__.
a) NACP and MAPT
b) NCAP and MPAT
c) NPAC and MTPA
d) NNCP and MMPA
Answer: (a) NACP and MAPT

89.  Erosion and diversion of Rushikulya river mouth in Odisha's Ganjam district seem to be posing a serious threat to the annual mass nesting of the endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles. Consider the following statements:
i) The olive ridley sea turtle is also known as the Pacific ridley.
ii) It is a species of sea turtle.
Choose the right option:
a)    Both i and ii are correct.
b)    Only i is correct.
c)    Only ii is correct.
d)    Neither i nor ii is correct.
Answer: (a) Both i and ii are correct

90. Which one of the following state governments imposed restrictions on the visit of foreign tourists to the areas inhabited by Tribals?
a) Odisha
b) Bihar
c) Madhya Pradesh
d) Uttar Pradesh
Answer: (a) Odisha

91. Indian black eagle was spotted in the Aravali Biodiversity park after a gap of __ years.
a) 90
b) 80
c) 70
d) 60
Answer: (a) 90


92.    According to data released by the government on 19 March 2012, retail inflation stood at what per cent in February 2012 as a result of higher prices of protein based items, edible oil products and manufactured goods?
a.    8.83%
b.    7.74%
c.    7%
d.    6.9%
Answer: (a)

93.    The Union Finance Minister (FM) Pranab Mukherjee tabled the Union Budget in the Parliament of India on 16 March 2012 for the fiscal year 2012-13. The total expenditure for 2012-13 is estimated what amount?
a.    Rs 1400025 crore
b.    Rs 1490925 crore
c.    Rs 1451033 crore
d.    Rs 1444264 crore
Answer: (b)

94.    In the Economic Survey tabled by the Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on 15 March 2012, Indian economy was estimated to grow by what per cent in 2011-12 mainly due to weakening industrial growth?
a.    6.5%
b.    6%
c.    5.2%
d.    6.9%
Answer: (d)

95.    The Union Railway Budget 2012-13 was presented in the Lok Sabha on 14 March 2012 by Union Railway Minister Dinesh Trivedi. Which of the following facts related to the budget are not true?
1.    The total union budget outlay for 2012-13 stood at Rs 60100 crore.
2.    The fares were raised in the budget. The fares were raised 5 paise per km for suburban and ordinary second class. Fares for mail express second class was raised by only 2 paise per km
3.    Union Railway budget 2012-13 proposed to allocate about Rs 4410 crore to capacity augmentation works
4.    The Union railway proposed to electrify 6500 route kilometers during the 12th Plan period. This would include electrification of Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla line and hence provide pollution free traction to the pristine Kashmir Valley
5.    Union railway Minister proposed to raise the allocation under passenger amenities from Rs 762 crore in 2011-12 to Rs 1102 crore in 2012-13
a.    3 & 5
b.    Only 4
c.    Only 2
d.    3 & 4
Answer: (c)

96.    Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukharjee presented the annual budget for the fiscal year 2012-13 in the parliament on 16 March 2012. The Union Minister of Finance came up with an increased budgetary allocation for various sectors including agriculture, rural development, defence etc. Which of the statements are not true with respect to the budgetary allocations?
1.    Budgetary allocation for agriculture and allied activities 2012-13 increased by 16%. 9217 crore rupees allocated for Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana
2.    20,000 crore rupees allocated for Rural Infrastructure Development Fund
3.    Sarva Siksha Abhiyan-Right to Education- 25555 crore rupees
4.    193407 crore rupees aallocated for Defence services including 79579crore rupees for capital expenditure
5.    20822 crore rupees National Rural Health Mission
a.    1 & 5
b.    Only 1
c.    2 & 5
d.    Only 4
Answer: (b)


97. Consider the following statements using the code given below identify the personality with whom these statements are associated
1.    He has recently announced his retirement from International Test Cricket
2.    He is the second highest run getter in international test cricket
3.    He made his international debut on 20 June 1996 while playing at the Lord’s against England
4.    He has the highest test catches to his credit
(a)    Sourav Ganguly
(b)    Adam Gilchrist
(c)    VVS Laxman
(d)    Rahul Dravid
Answer: (d)

98. Which one of the following statements is wrong
(a)    Anjum Chopra will lead the Indian team in the limited-over series against Australia
(b)    Anjum Chopra is a leading hockey player
(c)    Indian women Kabaddi team won first women World Cup Kabaddi championship title
(d)    Akhil Kumar is a boxer
Answer: (b)

99. Who among the following tennis players won Dubai Open Singles Title?
(a)    Rafael Nadal
(b)    Roger Federer
(c)    Novak Djokovic
(d)    Andy Murray
Answer: (a)

100. Dav Whatmore was appointed as the principal coach by which of the following teams?
(a)    Pakistan
(b)    Australia
(c)    Zimbabwe
(d)    South Africa
Answer: (a)

101. Indian Tennis pair of Mahesh Bhupati and Rohan Bopanna won the doubles title of Dubai Open on 3 March 2012. It was Bhupati’s ..............career title.
  (a) 30th
  (b) 15th
  (c) 50th
  (d) 1st
Answer: (c)


102. Consider the following statements and using the code given below identify the personality with whom these statements are associated
1.    He has recently joined the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited as its Chairman
2.    He is one of the few outsiders to head HAL
3.    He started his career with ONGC in 1976
4.    He has also served as the head of Pawan Hans Limited
(a)    RK Sharma
(b)    RK Tyagi
(c)    AM Naik
(d)    Pratip Chaudhury
Answer: (b)

103. Which of the following Indian company has formed a joint venture with South African firm Exxaro
(a)    Reliance Industries
(b)    Essar
(c)    Tata Power
(d)    Vodafone India
Answer: (c)

104. Who has been appointed the new Managing Director of Hyundai India?
(a)    Bo Shin Seo
(b)    Andrew Mark
(c)    Anil Aggarwal
(d)    Anand Mahindra
Answer: (a)

105. Admax, South Asia’s largest digital media network was acquired by which Indian company
(a)    Komli Media
(b)    Mindtree
(c)    Tata Teleservices
(d)    Google India
Answer: (a)

106. James Murdoch, who on 29 February 2012 stepped down as Executive Chairman of News International is son of     
(a) Rupert Grint
(b) Steve Murdoch
(c) Mark Rupert
(d) Rupert Murdoch
Answer: (d)


107.    Consider the following statements using the code given below identify the personality with whom these statements are associated
2.    He has recently been appointed as the Chairman of Mindtree Limited
3.    He is also the co-founder of Mindtree limited
4.    He has replaced Ashok Soota as the Chairman of Mindtree Limited
5.    He has also served as the Vice Chaiman of Mindtree
(a)    Subroto Bagchi
(b)    Vivek Hooda
(c)    Ashok Malik
(d)    Pradeep Rungta
Answer: (a)

108. Which one of the following statements is wrong
(a)    Varun Berry resigned from the Pepsi Co India on 29 February 2012
(b)    He was the Chief Executive Officer of PepsiCo India Food
(c)    He joined the company in 2006
(d)    As the CEO of PepsiCo India Foods, he promoted brands like  Lay’s, Quaker, Kurkure and Lehar
Answer: (c)

109. Who has been appointed the new Managing Director of Hyundai India?
(a)    Bo Shin Seo
(b)    Andrew Mark
(c)    Anil Aggarwal
(d)    Anand Mahindra
Answer: (a)

110. Company Law Board on 1 March 2012, returned the petitions of
(a)    Telenor and Unitech
(b)    Reliance Telecom
(c)    Etisalat DB
(d)    STel
Answer: (a)

111. Which of the following public sector bank has appointed Madhukant Girdharlal Sanghvi as its new Chairman     
(a)    Bank of Baroda
(b)    Allahabad Bank
(c)    State Bank of Maharashtra
(d)    Syndicate Bank
Answer: (d)


112.Consider the following statements and using the code given below identify the personality with whom these statements are associated
1.    He is an Australian national
2.    He led the Australian cricket team twice to the world cup victory
3.    He has 30 centuries and 82 fifties in ODI in his name
4.    He on 21 February 2012 announced his retirement from the One day cricket
(a)    Andrew Simonds
(b)    Shane Watson
(c)    Ricky Ponting
(d)    Kevin Pieterson
Answer: (c)

113. Which of the following team defeated Indian women hockey team in the final match of London Olympic Qualifiers
(a)    South Africa
(b)    France
(c)    Australia
(d)    New Zealand
Answer: (a)

114.  Dow Chemicals whose sponsorship to the London Olympics was highly protested in India is the parent company of 
(a)    Union Carbide
(b)    Etisalat
(c)    Vodafone
(d)    Coca Cola
Answer: (b)

115.  Sania Mirza and Elena Vesnina suffered a crushing  defeat against top seeds Liezel Huber and Lisa Raymond and finished runners-up at the
(a)    Australian Open
(b)    WTA Dubai Open
(c)    Chennai Open
(d)    Korean Open
Answer: (b)

116.    Juan Martin Del Potro  of Argentina  won his 10th career ATP title by beating
(a)    Roger Federar
(b)    Rafael Nadal
(c)    Novac Djokovick
(d)    Michael Llodra
Answer: (d)


117.   In context with agriculture, 2012 is being launched as the year of ___?
(a) Green Manure
(b) Organic Farming
(c) Horticulture
(d) Sericulture
Answer: (c) Horticulture


118. Who among the following has won the Best actor Award in the 59th National Film Awards 2011?
(a) Amir Khan
(b) Nasiruddin Shah
(c) Girish Kulkarni
(d) Salman Khan
Answer: (c) Girish Kulkarni


119. The four leading countries in the recently held first women's World Cup Kabaddi championship were as follows:
(a) India, Iran, Japan, Russia
(b) India, Iran, Japan, Thailand
(c) India, Australia, Japan, Iran
(d) India, Australia, Iran, Japan
Answer: (b) India, Iran, Japan, Thailand


120. Recently, the Empowered Group of Ministers, EGoM has decided to allocate 700 megahertz spectrum for offering which among the following telecom services?
(a) 2G
(b) 3G
(c) 4G
(d) 5G
Answer: (c) 4G