Shah Rukh Khan to speak at Yale as Chubb Fellow

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan would deliver a lecture at the prestigious Yale University on 12th April as it's Chubb Fellow, an honour which in the past has been bestowed on heads of states and Noble prize winners. 
 

As part of the prestigious fellowship, Shah Rukh, 46, would deliver a lecture at Yale University. The Chubb Fellowship is among Yale's highest honors and Khan would join a roster of fellows dating back to 1949 who have included heads of states, Nobel Prize winners, and leaders from every area of human endeavor who have inspired Yale students.

 "Through his films and his philanthropy, the Chubb Fellowship noted that Khan has been among his generation's most important examples of the power of art to promote higher human ideals and aspirations," the University said.

Established in 1936, through the generosity of Hendon Chubb (Yale College Class of 1895), the program is based in Timothy Dwight College, one of Yale's residential colleges.

Former Chubb Fellows include Presidents George W Bush, Ronald Reagan, Jimmy Carter including many more.

National Seminar on NCC Training Philosophy

The National Cadet Corps is conducting a national level seminar on ‘Empowering Tomorrows Leaders for Nation Building – The NCC Training Philosophy’ here tomorrow. The aim of the seminar is to discuss the skills NCC cadets need to imbibe in the new millennium and identify the methodology to be adopted by the trainers to impart critical lessons.

The seminar is a sequel to the ongoing exercise within the NCC to refine the training philosophy to make it more contemporary and relevant. Changing education system in the country and growing pressure on students to achieve academic excellence has further emphasized the need to realign the training curriculum. Concrete and specific issues to improve the NCC training will be discussed with logical and relevant conclusion aimed to make NCC a potent organisation. Presentations on ‘Futuristic Leadership Model’, ‘NCC : An instrument of Youth Development for Nation Building’ and on ‘Training of Trainers’ are also scheduled during this seminar.

Shri KapilSibal, Minister for Human Resources Development, Information Technology & Communication and Dr. MM PallamRaju, Minister of State for Defence will address the seminar. The seminar is being attended by specialists and renowned personalities from allied fields apart from representatives from State NCC Directorates and ex- Director Generals of NCC.

Implementation of National Floor Level Minimum Wage (NFLMW)

In order to have a uniform wage structure and to reduce the disparity in minimum wages across the country, the concept of National Floor Level Minimum Wage (NFLMW) was mooted on the basis of the recommendations of the National Commission on Rural Labour (NCRL) in 1991. Keeping in view the recommendation of NCRL and taking into account the rise in price indices, the NFLMW was initially fixed at Rs.35/- per day in 1996.

On the basis of increase in the Consumer Price Index (Industrial Worker), the Central Government has revised the NFLMW from time to time. The NFLMW was Rs.80/- w. e. f. 01.09.2007. The same was raised to Rs.100/- from 01.11.2009 and again raised to Rs.115/- with effect from 01.04.2011.

Since NFLMW is a non-statutory measure, the Ministry of Labour & Employment has requested to all the States/UT Governments that in none of the scheduled employments, the minimum wages should be less than the NFLMW. At present, there is also a proposal to amend the Minimum Wages Act, 1948 to make the NFLMW statutory.

Skill Development Mission

  The Ministry of  Labour & Employment has launched a National Skill Development Mission in the Eleventh Five Year Plan with the following three tier structure:

i.                     Prime Minister’s National Council on Skill Development under the Chairmanship of Hon’ble Prime Minister, for policy direction and review of skill development efforts in the country.

ii.              National Skill Development Coordination Board (NSDCB) under the Chairmanship of Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission to enumerate strategies to implement the decisions of PM’s Council.

iii.            National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), a not- for-profit company under the Companies Act, 1956. The corporation is being funded by the trust “National Skill Development Fund” to which the Government has contributed a sum of Rs.1495.10 crore during Eleventh Five Year Plan.

             Till 29^th February, 2012, NSDC has approved 52 proposals involving a total financial commitment of about Rs. 1214 crore. Out of this, Rs. 179.36 crore have been disbursed.

             The National Sample Survey Office in the year 2009-10 estimated the number of new entrants in the labour market, to be 5.0 million per annum. However, a study has been conducted by National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), according to which the incremental requirement of skilled manpower in 21 high growth sectors by the year 2022 is estimated to be 347 million.

National Safe Motherhood Day

“Ensuring quality services for safe motherhood” is the theme for 2012 National Safe Motherhood Day. Launching the celebrations from Jaipur today, the Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Shri Sudip Bandyopadhyay said women are strong pillars of any vibrant society. “Sustained development of the country can be achieved only if we take holistic care of our women and children. Maternal and child mortality and morbidity indicators reflect not only how well the health system is functioning, but also the degree of equity in public service delivery, utilisation of services, the social status of women and our concern for children”, observed the Minister.

In India, over the last decade there has been a considerable decline in MMR, IMR and TFR. However, Regional disparities are considerable and an extra impetus needs to be given to the efforts to accelerate the pace of decline in these indicators in many states, cautioned Shri Bandyopadhyay.

Over the last few decades, the country has taken many initiatives and made progress. With the implementation of schemes like Janani Suraksha Yojana by Government of India we have been able to bring the women in the institutional fold. Government of India has also taken several policy decisions to improve quality in service delivery, the Minister elaborated. Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs), Staff nurses (SNs) and Lady health visitors (LHVs) are being trained as skilled birth attendants, MBBS doctors are being trained in Essential life saving obstetric and anaesthetic skills, various types of equipments are being provided to the States, Infrastructure of the health facilities are being strengthened and new constructions are being sanctioned wherever the same is not available. “We have also launched Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakaram (JSSK) entitling every pregnant women delivering at govt health facilities free drugs, free diagnostics, free diet , free delivery and Caesarean Section, free to and fro transportation. Similar facilities have been given to all sick neonates upto one month”, said the Minister while releasing the publicity material at the function held today during the Consultation Commemorating National Safe Motherhood Day. The Minister also gave away Health Workers Awards to best performing ANMs, ASHAs, etc. Shri Bandyopadhyay also flagged off the Hamari Beti Express alongwith Shri A A Khan, State Health Minister, Government of Rajasthan, on the occasion. The Minister hoped that deliberations during the day and way forward as deliberated would help us in not only understanding barriers in provision of quality care but also charting out a road map for future. 11th April, which is the birth anniversary of Smt Kasturba Gandhi, is being celebrated every year as National Safe Motherhood Day from 2003 onwards. On this day celebration are organized throughout the country involving different stake holders to sensitize the people, media, health professionals and health institutions about safe motherhood.

Indo-US naval exercise Malabar-2012

The annual Indo-US naval exercise, Malabar-2012, commenced in the Bay of Bengal at Chennai coast on April 7. The 10-day long exercise would see the participation of frontline units from both countries.

The focus areas of the exercise include air defence, helicopter cross deck operations and anti-submarine warfare.

The US Navy is being represented by ships from Carrier Task Force 70 of the Seventh Fleet which is based at Yokosuka in Japan.

The Indian Navy is being represented by the indigenously built guided missile frigate INS Satpura, guided missile destroyers INS Ranvijay and INS Ranvir and fleet tanker INS Shakti. Malabar-2012 is the 16th in a series of bilateral exercises since 1992.

IUCN Report:14 Species of Birds from India on the Verge of Extinction

IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) on 10 November 2011 released the red List of threatened species, which includes 14 species of birds from India. These birds are critically endangered.  The endangered birds include, Indian Vulture, Red-headed Vulture, Pink-headed Duck, Sociable Lapwing, Jerdon's Courser, Siberian Crane, White-belled Heron, Christmas Frigatebird, Bengal Florican, Forest Owlet, Spoon-billed Sandpiper, Himalayan Quail, White-rumped Vulture.

The major threats faced by these bird species include poaching, habitual destruction, indiscriminate use of pesticides and chemicals harmful for birds. However, the national bird peacock is not under the threat of extinction.

The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 has provision for stringent punishments for those who violates the provisions of the act. Moreover, the government has set up Wildlife Crime Control Bureau to curb the illegal trade in wildlife.

The IUCN Red List is critical as an indicator of the health of biodiversity, in identifying conservation needs and informing necessary changes in policy and legislation to drive conservation forward. IUCN was founded in 1948 as the world’s first global environmental organisation.

India’s Atomic Energy Regulatory Board became the 11th Member of MEDP

India’s Atomic Energy Regulatory Board was  admitted as the 11th member of MEDP (Multinational Design Evaluation Programme) on 4 April 2012.  The other members of this body are China, Finland, Japan, Korea, South Africa, USA, UK, Canada, France and Russia.

MDEP is a multinational initiative taken by national safety authorities to develop innovative approaches to leverage the resources and knowledge of the national regulatory authorities who are currently or will be tasked with the review of new reactor power plant designs. It was launched in 2006 by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) of the United States and the French Nuclear Safety Authority. The OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) acts as the Technical Secretariat for the MDEP. The International Atomic Energy Agency participates in many of the MDEP activities, including the harmonisation efforts.

Arab League Summit was held in Baghdad

Three-day summit was held here from 27 March 2012 to 29 March 2012.The Arab league summit was held in Baghdad from 27 March 2012 to 29 March 2012. The three-day summit was hosted by Iraq for the first time since 1990 when its late dictator Saddam Hussein’s forces invaded Kuwait. The leaders of the 22 Arab league states attended the summit. The Baghdad summit discussed the uprising in Syria and the Iraqi debts to its neighbours. The previous Arab league summit was held in Sirte.  Syria didn’t participate in the Summit. It was suspended in the midst of the uprising against the Assad regime.

BSES Yamuna Power Limited (BYPL) won British Safety Award

BSES Yamuna Power limited (BPYL) won the prestigious 54th British International Safety Award. BYPL has been selected for this award given the steps taken by it for the safety of its over 11 lakh consumers and safety and health of its employees. The list of award winners was announced in London in the last week of March 2012. The award will be presented in May 2012. BPYL is the first Indian discom to be selected for this award.

BYPL distributes power to an area spread over 200 sq kms with a population density of 5953 per sq km. It’s 11.9lakh customers are spread over 14 districts across Central and East areas of Delhi including Chandni Chowk, Daryaganj,  Shankar Road, Patel Nagar, G T Road,Paharganj, Karkardooma, Krishna Nagar, Mayur Vihar, Yamuna Vihar, Laxmi Nagar, Nand Nagri and Karawal Nagar.

India and Britain held the Fifth Ministerial level India-UK Economic Financial Dialogue

India and Britain held the fifth ministerial level India-UK economic financial dialogue in New Delhi on 2 April 2012. Both nations discussed ways to strengthen their mutual cooperation and further boost trade and investment between them. Highlights of the dialogue are as following:
• Both nations agreed that while the global economy has stabilized in recent months, growth will remain subdued and at risk from a series of threats.
• India and Britain welcomed the exchange of ideas in financing infrastructure as part of the Dialogue, noting that both countries share a common aim of increasing the role of institutional investors in infrastructure financing.
• India and Britain also discussed the importance of developing deep and efficient capital markets to support infrastructure financing in India. Foreign capital can play an important part in this process.
• Both nations supported the progress on the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) roadmap for foreign banks in India.
• Both sides agreed that there was a clear benefit to sharing experiences on this and welcomed the ongoing technical collaboration to assist the FSLRC (Financial Sector Legislative Reforms Commission) in carrying out its mandate.
• Both sides welcomed the Cannes Action Plan for Growth and Jobs agreed at the November 2011 Cannes Summit.
• Both nations are committed to ensuring that the IMF is adequately resourced to play its systemic role in the international financial system in support of its entire membership and that the quota and governance reforms of the IMF are implemented within the agreed timelines.
• Both sides agreed to remain committed to pursuing the financial regulatory reform agenda according to the time table agreed in G-20 in an internationally consistent and non-discriminatory manner. This will be monitored by the Financial Stability Board through its Coordination Framework for Implementation Monitoring. Both sides discussed the joint approaches to meeting these commitments and will continue to work together to strengthen the global financial system.
• Both sides recognized the need for countries to sign the Multilateral Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters and engage in automatic exchange of information where legally required to improve tax compliance and decrease tax evasion.
• Recognising the importance of open trade for the global economy, India and UK reaffirmed their commitment to refrain from protectionism.
• India and the UK welcomed the 40% year on year increase in the export of goods from the UK to India and the increase by 35.05% of exports from India to UK in 2011.

CURRENT AFFAIRS PRACTICE 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)
 

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

Assam's elephant population increasing

Assam has recorded a remarkable growth in its elephant population, according to the recently concluded elephant census in the state.

The elephant census this year recorded a total of 5,620 elephants in Assam compared to 5,246 elephants in the 2009 census year, state forest minister Rockybul Hussain said and added that an increase of 374 in the jumbo population was a good indication. The forest minister also released a report regarding the elephant census.

The age-wise composition of the elephant population showed 51 percent adult, 20 percent sub-adult, 12 percent juvenile and 17 percent calf -- which is also considered to be normal for a healthy population, the report said.

The census report also noted that the 25 protected areas (PAs) -- 20 wildlife sanctuaries and five national parks recorded 3,054 elephants while the managed forests (including reserve forests, proposed reserve forests, district council reserve forests and unclassed forests) were found to be sheltering 2,516 elephants. The census has recorded 50 other elephants in revenue areas.

Among the sanctuaries and national parks, Kaziranga National Park (KNP) had the highest elephant population with 1,165 elephants. Manas National Park (MNP) followed, recording 945 elephants.

Another important factor which emerged out of the census was that Manas National Park recorded the highest density among the National Parks with 189 elephants per 100 square km. Kaziranga's density was found to be second highest with 135.63 elephants per 100 square km. Rajiv Gandhi National Park at Orang in Darrang district recorded the lowest density with only 5.08 elephants per 100 square km, the report said.

The Nameri National Park and Dibru Saikhowa National Park recorded elephant populations of 233 and 115, respectively, the report mentioned.

Among all the Protected Areas (PAs), Barnadi wildlife sanctuary recorded the highest elephant density with 389.02 per 100 square km followed by Gibbon wildlife sanctuary with 166.83 elephants per 100 square km, the report said.

Indian crop yields less than global average

Though India has registered a record wheat and rice output, yields of major crops are much lower when compared with the production developed countries. According to the latest report of UN's food and agriculture body FAO, India lags behind badly in world average yield of rice, cotton, pulses while in wheat it is close to the global benchmark.

The FAO report relates to authenticated data up to year 2010. India is likely to produce a record 102 million tonne of rice and around 90 million tonne of wheat this year. However, the yield has plateaued over the years. Given the limitations in the expansion of acreage, the main factor for long-term output growth is an improvement in yields.

According to the latest FAO report, the average yield of rice in India is 2.3 tonne/ha as against the global average of 4.374 tonne/ha. China is the largest producer of rice with an output of 197 million tonne with a per-hectare yield of 6.5 tonne while countries like Australia (10.1 tonne), US (7.5 tonne), Russia (5.2 tonne) lead the tally.

The report says India has done better in wheat by achieving an yield closer to the global average. It has recorded an average yield of 2.9 tonne per hectare as against the global benchmark of 3.0 tonne/ha. However, it's still far from countries like France (7.0 tonne), US (3.11 tonne) and China (4.8 tonne).

Water shortage, absence of high-yield varieties of seeds and the lack of research and development are the basic causes behind the low per-hectare yield of crops in India. "If production has to go up, yield must improve. For this, we are working on new areas of research like, stem cell research, nanotechnology.

Second Anniversary of RTE: Some Highlights

There has been improvement at the national level since RTE became operative from 01.04.2010

a.      Last year at this time only 15 States had notified the State RTE Rules. Today, this number has increased to 32. Goa and Karnataka are the two States which have yet to notify the RTE Rules. The Ministry continues to follow up with these States.

b.      Similarly, last year 11 States had notified the SCPCRs/REPA. Today this number has increased to 21. An Advisory has been issued by the Ministry to States on instituting a Grievance Redressal mechanism to address violations of the RTE Act.

c.      31 States have notified the academic authority under section 29 of the RTE Act. This figure was 20 last year. This is significant, because the academic authority under section 29 is responsible for ensuring that the curriculum and evaluation procedure is in accordance with constitutional values and the child centred principles enunciated in the Act. In recent times there has been much media debate on the quality of learning – especially when the ASER report was published. Another study undertaken by ASER, titled Inside Primary Schools, pointed out that learning material created by States is often two levels higher than the age-appropriate level. This issue was discussed with State Education Ministers in a conference in January this year. An Advisory on Quality has also been issued by the Ministry to the States.

d.      Most States have issued circulars and notifications to re-iterate the child centred provisions of the RTE Act. These include notifications and circulars prohibiting corporal punishment, detention, expulsion, Board examination at class V, VIII, etc. As it was felt that there was not enough understanding on the rationale for these provisions despite the large number of workshops that the Ministry had conducted a section-by-section rationale of the provisions of the Act was developed and circulated to the States.

A document prepared  on the occasion – RTE: The 2nd Year ­– gives the status with respect to enrolment indicators, teacher related indicators and infrastructure indicators. It compares data collected with reference dates 30 September 2009 and 30 September 2010. By and large the enrolment indicators are reasonably healthy. There has been a decline in the annual average dropout rate from 9.1 in 2009-10 to 6.9 in 2010-11. There has been an over  5% decline in drop out rate in Bihar (7.06), Jharkhand (5.30), Nagaland (6.23) and Uttar Pradesh (5.65). But, sadly, some States (Haryana, Mizoram) have also shown an increase in drop out rate. The percentage of girls’ enrollment to total enrolment at primary and upper primary level has remained at 48. This is on account of their overall share in the population. However, adverse child sex ratio is a cause of concern.

Insofar as teachers are concerned, at the national level there is a pupil teacher ratio of 30:1. Since RTE became operative, over 6 lakh teacher posts have been sanctioned under SSA. But despite an overall healthy PTR at the national level, there is concern that at the primary level there are 43% schools with a PTR higher than 30:1. At the upper primary level there are 33% schools with a PTR greater than 35:1. Time has now come for the country to take up rationalisation of teacher deployment seriously, so that all schools have the requisite number of teachers. This undoubtedly needs both political and administrative will.

As regards infrastructure, under SSA 4,96,231 classrooms have been sanctioned in the two years since RTE became operative. Much of the civil works under construction will actually be completed in the year to come. Most schools now do have drinking water and toilets but ramps, boundary walls, etc are still required.

The country will meet the RTE goals in the coming years. The Government is committed to providing support to States. The Central outlays for implementing the RTE-SSA programme have practically doubled since 2009-10 (Rs 13,100 crore in 2009-10 to Rs 25,555 crore in 2012-13)