KAVALIPOST

Thursday, 4 July 2013

NANDIGUNTA BRANCH POSTMASTER RETIREMENT FUNCTION AT VINJAMUR SO















NFPE writes to Secretary (Posts) on presorting of articles on Sundays and holidays


Family members of missing govt employee eligible for pension

However, family members of those employees who disappear after committing frauds or crime, will not be entitled to pension.

Family members of a missing government employee or pensioner can get all benefits including , gratuity and leave encashment among others, the central government has said.



Family members of a government employee or pensioner kidnapped by insurgents and terrorists will also be eligible to all monetary benefits given by the government, according to a fresh set of instructions issued last week by the Ministry of Personnel,  and Pensions.

However, family members of those employees who disappear after committing frauds or crime etc. will not be entitled to pension or any other benefits.

"In the case of a missing employee or pensioner or family pensioner, the family can apply for the grant of family pension, amount of salary due, leave encashment due and the amount of  and gratuity (whatever has not already been received) to the Head of Office of the organisation where the employee or pensioner had last served, six months after lodging of police report," it said.

According to the direction, the family must lodge a report with the concerned police station and obtain a report from the police, that the employee or pensioner or family pensioner has not been traced despite all efforts made by them.

"The report may be a First Information Report or any other report such as a Daily Diary or General Diary Entry," it said.

"An Indemnity Bond should be taken from the nominee or dependents of the employee, pensioner or family pensioner that all payments will be adjusted against the payments due to the employee, pensioner or family pensioner in case she or he appears on the scene and makes any claim," it said in the direction issued to all central government ministries.

The retirement gratuity will be paid to the family within three months of the date of application. In case of any delay, the interest shall be paid at the applicable rates and responsibility for delay shall be fixed.

The difference between the death gratuity and retirement gratuity shall be payable after the death of the employee is conclusively established or on the expiry of the period of seven years from the date of the police report, it said.

"The amount of salary due, leave encashment due and the amount of GPF will be paid to the family in the first instance as per the nominations made by the employee or pensioner on filing of a police report and submission of an indemnity bond," the directive said.

India Post needs to become a corporate for banking foray


While most of the 26 applicants for banking licence were usual suspects, there were a few surprises, too. And there was at least one unusual name, although its banking ambition was well known.

The application by the Indian , a division of the ministry of communications & information technology, has raised some curiosity within the Reserve Bank of India (). This is because RBIs new  norms released in February this year  talked about new bank licences in the private sector.

Since  is a part of a ministry, it cannot be considered as a private sector entity. According to RBI sources, to be eligible for a bank licence, India Post will have to become a corporate entity, because a government department cannot come under RBI purview. For example, if they are found violating the know-your-customer (KYC) or anti-money laundering norms, how can the regulator impose penalty against the sovereign, asked an RBI official.

India Post has for long wanted to diversify into a bank and had held discussions with RBI on this. According to experts, while the postal departments huge rural presence definitely gives it an edge to get a licence because both RBI and the government are emphasising on financial inclusion.

Technically, there are challenges on whether it fulfils the prescribed criteria but its reach definitely makes it a strong contender, sources said.

According to the final guidelines on a new bank licence, RBI has mandated 25 per cent of bank branches to be opened in un-banked rural areas. New banks should also meet priority sector norms right from inception.

Globally, there are examples of postal departments diversifying into lending activity. Deutsche Postbank  the Bonn-headquartered German retail bank  was formed from the de-merger of the postal savings division of Deutsche Bundespost in 1990.

With around 14 million clients, 19,000 employees and total assets amounting to ^170 billion, the Postbank Group is one of Germanys largest financial service providers. According to its website, the lender focuses on business with private customers as well as small and medium-sized companies.

The 26 entities that have applied to RBI include the Tata Group, Aditya Birla Group, the Anil Ambani Group, heavy engineering major L&T and a host of non-banking financial companies, including a gold loan company. Two micro finance companies have also applied.

Of the 26 applicants, there are usual suspects, but some surprises, too. There are a few names which meet the minimum requirement, but could rank low in terms of relative probability to get a licence. We expected a higher number of applicants, maybe around 30-35, said Monish Shah, senior director, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu India.

e-PPO Software for processing pension cases.: CPAO's instruction to PAO/HOO

Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Expenditure
Central Pension Accounting Office
Trikoot-II, Bhikaji Cama Place
New Delhi.
CPAO/Tech/e-PPO/2013-14/
26.06.2013
Office Memorandum 

Sub: - Software (e-PPO utility) for processing pension cases.

1. As a part of Citizen Centric e-governance initiative, the Central Pension Accounting Office is committed to improve the process of authorization and disbursement of pension constantly by the information technology mode.

2. Taking initiative in this direction as a first phase, all Pay & Accounts Offices have been provided with the facility to upload the text file of e-PPO on Central Pension Accounting Office's website www.cpao.nic.in. The related instructions have already been issued to all concerned vide OM. CPAO/Tech/e-PP0/2013-14/57 dated-03.06.2013.


3. Continuing this process, as a step forward, all Pay & Accounts Offices are being provided with the facility of uploading Pension Payment Order (Form CAM-52, para 7.3.2) on Central Pension Accounting Office's website www.cpao.nic.in with digital signature of the authorized signatory so that the movement of papers can be discontinued.

4. In the proposed system Head of office will forward the images of certified copies of photograph, signatures, thumb impression, finger prints in a CD alongwith pension cases to PAO. After the verification of pension papers from the Service Book, checking the calculation and processing the case in Pension Module of COMPACT, the PAO will send the SSA, PPO booklet in CAM-52 and copies of the documents received in CD from Head of office electronically by uploading the same on CPAO's website. The CPAO will furthers process the cases at its end and electronically send the digitally signed Special Seal Authority alongwith Pension Payment Order booklet to the CPPC of the concerned authorized bank electronically. The CPPC will arrange to provide a printout on coloured printer to pensioner as a pensioner's copy. The intention behind this is to reduce the time period taken in the transit starting from PAO to bank/pensioner and to remove the scope of lose of the document in transit.

5. Before this exercise is completed, all Pr.CCAs/CCAs/CAs (with independent charges) may pleaseensure that the Pay & Accounts Officers dealing with pension have been issued digital signature for locking the complete e-record of pension processes from NIC Cell of CGA's Office (Sh. Dipankar Sen Gupta, Technical Director) in the same manner as for digital signature required for e-payment and sensitise all the H.0.0/DDO under their payment control for enclosing a CD, alongwith pension papers containing certified copies of images of the documents specified in Para 4 above.

6. The procedure of manual sending of PPO CAM 52 (PPO Booklet) alongwith SSA etc. will be discontinued with the commencement of uploading of e-PPO (CAM 52 alongwith other documents).

7. The date of commencement of uploading of e-PPO (CAM 52 alongwith other documents) will be intimated shortly.

This issues with the approval of Controller General of Accounts.
Sd/-
(Dr. Dilip Kumar) 
Controller of Accounts

Source: http://cpao.nic.in
[http://cpao.nic.in/pdf/eppo-om.pdf]

Government officials seeking admission under Distance E-Learning Programmes for Central Government employees (DELPGE) offered by IGNOU

To view please Click Here.

Vacancy position of Direct Recruit Inspector Posts....

Directorate vide Memo No. 7-5/2012-SPB-II dated 3rd October 2012 has reported the following vacancies for Combined Graduate Level Examination 2012 to the Under Secretary (P&P-I), Staff Selection Commission, Department of Personnel and Training, New Delhi 110003.

Name of circle
No. Of vacancies for Direct Recruit IPs 2012
SC
ST
OBC
ST
Total
Andhra Pradesh
2
1
4
6
13
North East
1
0
1
1
3
Assam
1
0
1
2
4
Bihar
0
1
1
3
5
Chhattisgarh
0
0
0
0
0
Delhi
0
1
0
1
2
Gujarat
1
1
2
4
8
Maharashtra
1
1
2
1
5
Himachal Pradesh
1
0
0
1
2
Jammu& Kashmir
0
0
1
0
1
Jharkhand
0
0
0
0
0
Kerala
1
1
0
2
4
Karnataka
1
1
3
5
10
Madhya Pradesh
1
0
1
4
6
Orissa
0
0
2
2
4
Punjab
2
0
0
2
4
Haryana
1
0
1
3
5
Rajasthan
0
0
0
0
0
Tamil Nadu
0
0
0
0
0
Uttarakhand
0
0
0
0
0
Uttar Pradesh
1
0
2
5
8
West Bengal
5
1
3
4
13
Total
19
8
24
46
97

 The details of vacancies communicated to SSC by DOP since 2005 for Combined Graduate Level Examination are as under: 
S. No.
Category
Year wise number of vacancies
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010 & 2011
2012
Total
1
Vacancies declared by DOP
54
89
91
96
134
180
98
742
2
DoPT nominated surplus Central Govt employees

0
0
0
0
56
1
57
3
UR
30
49
46
57
73
53
46
354
4
OBC
12
16
25
21
31
40
24
169
5
SC      (Current)
4
17
17
12
21
18
19
108
(Backlog)
3
0
0
0
0
0
0
3
6
ST      (Current)
3
7
3
6
9
13
8
49
(Backlog)
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
2

Total
54
89
91
96
134
124
97
685

CRPF Donates One Day Salary to PM’s Relief Fund for Uttarakhand Victims


Press Information Bureau 
Government of India
Ministry of Home Affairs 

02-July-2013 17:48 IST

CRPF Donates One Day Salary to PM’s Relief Fund for Uttarakhand Victims 

Shri Pranay Sahay, Director General CRPF presented a cheque of Rs. 18,01,46,637/- (Rupees Eighteen Crore One Lakh Forty Six Thousand Six Hundred Thirty seven only) to Shri Sushilkumar Shinde, Union Home Minister here today. 

On this occasion Shri Sahay said that the officers and men of CRPF have donated one day’s salary to the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund. The CRPF deeply commiserates with the victims of the tragedy that has struck Uttarakhand. There has been large scale devastation of property and loss of lives in this disaster. The victims are our own brethren. The CRPF rank and file joins the countrymen in conveying its deepest concern for the victims of the tragedy. 

Shri Anil Goswami, Union Home Secretary and senior officers of the Ministry of Home Affairsand CRPF were also present in the function.

LATEST CURRENT AFFAIRS 100 MCQs

1.    Which one of the following companies became the first major online retailer to offer cloud-based media storage and streaming to unlimited web or Android devices with a free basic plan?

a.    Amazon

b.    Roamans

c.    LL BeAN

d.    vita Coast

Answer: (a)

2.    State-owned carrier Air India announced on 29 March 2011 that it completed the first milestone of its modernisation process with the migration of Air India and Indian Airlines to SITA's Horizon Passenger Service System (PSS). When did Air India sign contract with SITA for the same?

a.    January 2011

b.    March 2010

c.    October 2009

d.    April 2010

Answer: (d)

3.    NYSE listed US-based International Paper decided to buy up to 75% stake in which of the following for up to $423 million, in the first significant domestic acquisition by a foreign paper company?

a.    Abhinav Publications

b.    Vinod Paper House

c.    Ananda Paper House

d.    AP Paper Mills

Answer: (d)

4.    Sistema Shyam Teleservices issued over 54.73-crore equity shares to which of the following governments at 17.14 per cent stake against $600 million received in December 2010 on 30 March 2011?

a.    Italian government

b.    US government

c.    Russian government

d.    Philippines government

Answer: (c)

5. According to the tiger Census 2010, the number of tigers in India increased from 1411 to__.

a) 1706

b) 1672

c) 1511

d) 1611

Answer: (a) 1706

6. Which one of the following statements on tiger Census 2010 in India is NOT correct?

a) The number of tigers in India increased from 1411 in 2006 to 1706 in 2010.

b) The tiger census 2010 was unveiled by the Union Home Ministry.

c) The tiger occupancy areas decreased from 93600 sq. km to areas of 72800sq.km.

d) In the Sunderbans, the tiger Census took place for the first time.

Answer: (b) The tiger Census was unveiled by the Union ministry of Environment and Forests.

7.  In tiger census 2010,

i) Pugmarks were used as the only indicator of tiger numbers.

ii)An advanced Scientific process was adopted which included video trapping and use of satellite data.

Which of the above statements is/are incorrect?

Choose the right option:

a)    Only i is incorrect

b)    Only ii is incorrect

c)    Both i and ii are incorrect

d)    Both i and ii are not incorrect

Answer: ( a)  Only i is incorrect

8. In the Sunderbans, the tiger Census took place for the first time. In which one of the following states of India Sunderbans is located?

a) West Bengal

b) Orissa

C) Andhra Pradesh

d) Tamil Nadu

Answer: (a)  West Bengal, next to the Bay of Bengal

9. Scientists, at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute UK, for the first time identified genetic mutations that lead to the development of acute myeloid leukaemia. Acute myeloid leukaemia is a cancer of the__.

a) White Blood Cells (WBC)

b) Red blood Cells (RBC)

c) Liver Cells

d) Stem Cells

Answer: (a) White Blood Cells (WBC)

10. Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper resigned after a no-confidence vote was passed by 156-145 vote against him in the Canadian Parliament on 25 March 2011.  He belongs to which one of the following political parties?

a) Conservative Party

b) Liberal Party

c) Congress Party

d) Democratic Party

Answer: (a) Conservative Party

11. Which of the following statements regarding the outgoing Prime Minister Stephen Harper of Canada are/is correct?

i) He is the 22nd Prime Minister of Canada.

ii) He was sworn as Prime Minister of Canada on 6 February 2006.

Choose the right option:

a)    Both i and ii are correct.

b)    Both i and ii are incorrect.

c)    Only i is correct.

d)    Only ii is correct.

Answer: (a) Both i and ii are correct.

12.  Latikia, witnessed the mass unrest against the ruling President Bashar al-Assad on 25-26 March 2011. Where the place Latikia is located?

a) Syria

b) Egypt

c) Yemen

d) Pakistan

Answer: (a) Syria

13.  Latikia, witnessed the mass unrest against the ruling President Bashar al-Assad on 25-26 March 2011. Which of the following statements is/are incorrect?

i) Bashar al-Assad is the President of Egypt

ii) Latikia is in Syria

a)    Both the statements are incorrect

b)    Only i is incorrect

c)    Only ii is incorrect

d)    Both the statements are not incorrect

Answer: (b) only i is incorrect; Bashar al-Assad is the President of Syria

14. The Rajya Sabha, the upper House in Indian Parliament, on 24 March 2011 passed the bill___ changing the name of Orissa to Odisha.

a) Orissa (the Alteration of Name) Bill, 2010

b) Odisha(the Alteration of Name) Bill,2011

c) Orissa (the Alteration of Name) Bill, 2011

d) Odisha(the Alteration of Name) Bill, 2010

Answer:  (a) Orissa (the Alteration of Name) Bill, 2010

15.    Earth quake of 6.8 magnitude struck Myanmar’s borders with Thailand and Laos, about 70 miles (110 kilometers) from the northern Thai city of Chiang Rai on 24 March 2011. What was the magnitude of the quake?

a.    6

b.    6.3

c.    6.8

d.    7.6

Answer: (c)

16.    The Shunglu Committee set up to probe corruption in organising the Commonwealth Games (CWG) on 23 March 2011 submitted its second report to the Cabinet Secretary. Which private developer was indicted in the second report?

a.    Emaar MGF

b.    Royale Builders and Developers

c.    Green Field Real Estate

d.    DLF

Answer: (a)

17.    The World Meteorological Organization with its 189 Members and the worldwide meteorological community celebrate World Meteorological Day every year on 23 March. When was the WMO Convention convened for the first time with the purpose of setting up the World Meteorological Organization?

a.    1947

b.    149

c.    150

d.    1956

Answer: (d)

18.    To how many village panchayats was the Nirmal Gram Puraskar awarded by President Pratibha Patil on 23 March 2011?

a.    1543

b.    2808

c.    29

d.    166

Answer: (b)

19.    The Indian government on 24 March 2011 constituted 11member Financial Sector Legislative Reforms Commission (FSLRC) to examine the means of oversight on regulators and their autonomy from the government. Who will head the committee?

a.    Retired Supreme Court Justice BN Srikrishna

b.    former PFRDA Chairman D Swarup

c.    RBI Governor Dr. D. Subbarao

d.    PMEAC member M Govinda Rao

Answer: (a)

20.    On which of the following freedom fighters was a commemorative postage stamp released by the Indian President Pratibha Patil on 24 March 2011?

a.    Padmaja Naidu

b.    Padmaja Naidu

c.    Sucheta Kriplani

d.    Subhadra Joshi

Answer: (d)

21.    Which of the following radio stations was awarded the Most Successful Radio Channel of the Year at the FICCI Frames Excellence Awards 2011 was given out on 25 March 2011?

a.    Radio Mirchi (98.3)

b.    Big FM (92.7)

c.    Red FM (93.5)

d.    Radio One (95)

Answer: (a)

22.    Read the following statement with reference to renowned dancer Leela Samson.

1.    Leela Samson was appointed chairperson of the Central Board for Film Certification on 28 March 2011 by Information and Broadcasting Ministry.

2.    Leela Samson is a renowned Kathakali dancer of India.

3.    Leela Samson won the prestigious Bharat Ratna award in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the art of dance in 1990.

4.    Two documentary films were made on her work namely- Sanchari and The Flowering Tree.

Which of the above mentioned statements is/are false?

a.    2 & 4

b.    3 & 4

c.    2 & 3

d.    Only 4

Answer: (c)

23.    Nisha P. Rajagopal has been chosen as the first recipient of ‘The Hindu Saregama M.S. Subbulakshmi Award instituted on 16 September 2010. To which of the following type of music is she famous for?

a.    Carnatic

b.    Hindusthani classical

c.    Haryanavi Music

d.    Ganasangeet

Answer: (a)

24. A team of Scientists led by Takehiko at Yokohama City University grew sperms in a test-tube. Consider the following statements regarding the scientific breakthrough.

i)   Sperms were grown in a Test-tube for the first time.

ii)  The Scientific breakthrough could help millions of infertile men to attain parenthood.

Now choose the right option:

a)   Both i and ii statements are correct

b)   Only i is correct

c)   Only ii is correct

d)   Both I and ii statements are wrong

Answer: (a) Both i and ii statements are correct

25. The Union ministry of Environment and Forests, recently asked state governments to declare bamboo as a minor forest produce to address livelihood issues of forest dwellers and tribals.  Bamboo is a__.

a) Grass

b) Tree

c) Plant

d) Wood

Answer: (a) Grass

26. The Union Cabinet of India, on 22 March 2011, approved the amendments to the Indian Forest Act, 1927. The amendment to the Indian Forest Act raised the limit to which fines for relatively minor offences can be compounded from 50 rupees to _ rupees.

a) 9000 rupees

b) 10000 rupees

c) 11000 rupees

d) 12000 rupees

Answer: (b) 10000 rupees

27. Earthquake in Myanmar measured at magnitude 6.8 killed 73 people and injured 111 people on 25 March 2011. The strength of an earthquake can be measured by a device called ___.

a) Seismograph

b) Barometer

c) Algometer

d) Thermometer

Answer: (a) Seismograph

28.    Somdev Devvarman was defeated by which of the following ace tennis players at the quarter finals of the Indian Wells Masters in Californiain in two close sets 5-7 4-6 in March 2011?

a.    Cypriot Marcos

b.    Robin Soderling

c.    Rafael Nadal

d.    Andy Murray

Answer: (c)

29.    World No. 4 India’s Saina Nehwal won the Swiss Grand Prix 2011 by defeating Ji Hyun Sung of South Korea 21-13, 21-14. She had earlier defeated the South Korean badminton player in which of the following tournaments?

a.    Swiss Grand Prix 2011

b.    Indonesia Open Super Series in 2010

c.    All England Open Badminton Championships 2010

d.    Irish Open

Answer: (b)

30.    Who defeated Spanish ace tennis player and World No 1 Rafael Nadal 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 on 20 March 2011 to win the ATP Indian Wells title?

a.    Novak Djokovic

b.    Robin Sderling

c.    Andy Murray

d.    Andy Roddick

Answer: (a)

31.    Which of the following football clubs got back on track with a 2-0 win against Arsenal in the FA Cup quarterfinals at Old Trafford on 12 March 2011?

a.    Manchester United

b.    Chelsea

c.    Real Madrid

d.    Liverpool

Answer: (a)

32.    Which of the following teams did Pakistan defeat in the Quarter final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 to reach the semi finals?

a.    India

b.    New Zealand

c.    West Indies

d.    Australia

Answer: (c)

33.    According to the latest WTA list, Sania Mirza broke back into the top-100 in the singles list with a jump of eight places.   What is Sania Mirza’s current position in the singles list?

a.    95

b.    90

c.    99

d.    75

Answer: (c)  

34.    Which Indian cricketer was declared the man of the match in the ICC World Cup Quarter final match between India and Australia in Ahmadabad on 24 March 2011?

a.    M S Dhoni

b.    Suresh Raina

c.    Yuvraj Singh

d.    Yusuf Pathan

Answer: (c)

35.    Based on the recommendations of FIPB the Indian Government on 23 March 2011 approved 14 Foreign Direct Investment proposals and 27 proposals. What is the total worth of the FDI proposals accepted by the government?

a.    Rs 1289 crore

b.    Rs 1500 crore

c.    Rs 1342 crore

d.    Rs 1100 crore

Answer: (a)

36.    The finance ministry has opposed the Reserve Bank of India’s suggestion to restrict foreign direct investment in new banks. RBI had restricted foreign direct investment in new banks to what percentage?

a.    43%

b.    43.22%

c.    45.7%

d.    49%

Answer: (d)

37.    Consider the following statements-

1.    CAG in March 2011 sent a questionnaire consisting 40 questions to the telecom ministry on 2G spectrum allocation scam and other developments in the sector.

2.    The department of telecom (DoT) was asked as to why the spectrum (radio waves) allocation was not delinked from the licence as it was known that spectrum was scarce vis-a-vis the demand.

3.    The Parliamentary panel wanted to know whether DoT consulted telecom regulator TRAI regarding the “No Cap” recommendation on number of operators in a circle.

4.    The loss incurred by the exchequer as a result of the 2G scam is estimated to be Rs 185379 crore

Which of the above mentioned statements related to the 2G scam is true?

a.    All of the above statements

b.    1 & 4

c.    2 & 3

d.    2 & 4

Answer: (c)

38.    Which of the following bodies ordered restriction on transmitting unauthenticated news by brokers and wealth managers on blogs and mobile phones in an effort to prevent stock manipulation through rumours?

a.    RBI

b.    IRDA

c.    FIPB

d.    SEBI

Answer: (d)

39.    Which of the following bodies put off indefinitely the new rules governing unwanted telemarketing calls which were supposed to be implemented from 21 March 2011?

a.    Department of Telecommunication (DoT)

b.    Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)

c.    Indian Ministry of communication & Technology

d.    HRD Ministry

Answer: (b)

40.    The Indian government in March 2011 conferred the Miniratna status on which of the following PSUs?

a.    National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC)

b.    Air India Charters Ltd

c.    Cement Corporation of India

d.    HMT Machine Tools Ltd

Answer: (a)

41.    Gilead Sciences, a California based bio-pharmaceutical research firm, and its patent partner, Roche Holding AG, have sued which of the following Indian generic drug makers in March 2011 for allegedly infringing a US patent for Tamiflu, a drug used in treatment of bird and swine-flu infections?

a.    Dr Reddy’s

b.    Natco Pharma

c.    Ranbaxy Laboratories

d.    GlaxoSmithKline

Answer: (b)

42.    AT&T on Sunday announced that it had agreed to buy T-Mobile USA from which of the following telecom companies for $39 billion?

a.    Deutsche Telekom

b.    Sprint Nextel

c.    Verizon Wireless

d.    Comcast

Answer: (a)

43.    A consortium comprising two companies acquired the IPL’s global Internet, mobile and audio rights, along with television rights in specific territories outside India, for the next four years. The consortium bagged the rights with a winning bid of Rs 261.6 crore in Chennai on 20 March 2011. Which are the two companies included in the consortium?

a.    TIL & Nimbus Communication

b.    Reliance Big Pictures & Zoom

c.    TIL & Colors

d.    Zoom and UTV Motion Pictures

Answer: (a)

44.    HCL Technologies on Thursday announced the expansion of its Smart Grid partner ecosystem by entering into strategic alliances with two data management software firms focused on the smart grid market. Which are the two firms with which HCL has entered into an alliance?

1.    Infosys

2.    eMeter

3.    Cape Gemini

4.    Tridium

a.    1 & 2

b.    2 & 3

c.    2 & 4

d.    1 & 4

Answer: (c)

45.    In India’s first sale of rupee perpetual bonds by a non-finance company Rs 1500 crore ($332 million) was raised. Name the non-finance company.

a.    Tata Steel

b.    Pantallons Retail

c.    RIL

d.    Maruti Suzuki

Answer: (a)

46.    Online marketplace eBay India, in association with leading apparel brand Reebok auctioned a bat autographed by Indian cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni. The proceeds of the auction will go to which of the following NGOs?

a.    Oxfem

b.    CRY

c.    All Bengal Women’s Union

d.    UNEM

Answer: (b)

47.    Who did HDFC Bank, the country's second-largest private sector lender appoint  in March 2011 to head its investment banking division?

a.    Rakesh Singh

b.    Charul Madan

c.    Gaurav Khungar

d.    Atul Singh

Answer: (a)

48.    Read the following statements with regard to a veteran Bollywood actor.

1.    The actor was first introduced in Bollywood movies by actor-filmmaker Sanjay Khan in the film Abdullah.

2.    He essayed the role of villain in more than 200 films.

3.    He was seen in movies like Kaalia, Mard, Nastik, Qurbani, Mr India etc

4.    The actor's biography, Flashback: My Times in Bollywood and Beyond, was to be released by Akshay Kumar in June 2011.

5.    He died at the Jayadeva Institute of Cardiology in Bangalore on 20 March 2011.

Identify the actor being referred to.

a.    Bob Christo

b.    Amjad Khan

c.    Sadashiv Amrapurkar

d.    Milind Gunaji

Answer: (a)

49.    Former Israeli president Moshe Katsav was on 22 March 2011 sentenced to seven years in jail after being convicted for rape. To which of the following parties does he belong to?

a.    Kadima

b.    Likud

c.    United Torah Judaism

d.    Labor Party

Answer: (b)

50.    The prime minister has constituted a committee to suggest rules and regulations for government procurement based on global best practices though India is a not a member of the GPA. What is the full form of GPA?

a.    Government’s People Act

b.    Government Procurement Act

c.    Governmental Public Association

d.    Government for Procurement Agency

Answer: (b)

51.    A weeklong exhibition of handloom and handicrafts, Bihar Utsav-2011 was organised by the Bihar Government in March 2011 to commemorate Bihar’s Foundation Day. When was the modern State of Bihar carved out of Bengal Presidency?

a.    22 March 1912

b.    2 March 1913

c.    31 March 1913

d.    7 March 1912

Answer: (a)

52.    A short film, Eclipse In Taregna which is about 2009 solar eclipse in Targena, a small hamlet in Bihar won the Founder’s Choice Award at which of the following international film festivals in March 2011?

a.    India International Film Festival

b.    Tampa Bay

c.    Queens World Film Festival

d.    New York Indian Film Festival

Answer: (c)

53.    Which one of the following social activist declared in March 2011 that he would sit on a fast on 5 April 2011 in Delhi in support of the introduction of Lokpal Bill to check corruption?

a.    Anna Hazare

b.    Medha Patkar

c.    Aruna Roy

d.    Bhaurao Patil

Answer: (a)

54. British Scientists discovered a cholesterol regulating protein which plays an important role in the formation of thrombosis a kind of blood clot that can result into heart attacks and strokes. What is the name of that protein?

a) LXR

b) LRX

c) XRL

d) LLL

Answer: (a) LXR

55. A report by the Climate Group, named India’s Clean Revolution, published on 18 March 2011 revealed that the market for low carbon goods and services in India could reach 135 billion US dollars by the year___.

a) 2020

b) 2015

c) 2017

d) 2018

Answer: (a) 2020

56. A New Technology Called High Tibial Osteotomy was developed in India to cure which one of the followings?

a) Cancer

b) TB

c) Knee Problems

d) Skin Cancer

Answer: (c) Knee Problems

57. Scientists from which one of the following countries created a herd of more than 200 cows that is capable of producing milk similar to that of humans?

a) China

b) India

c) USA

d) UK

Answer: (a) China

58. A study of the conservation needs of the Kimberley region showed that dozens of mammals, lizards, birds and other vertebrates are endangered because of hunting by feral cats and destruction of their habitat by wild donkeys and fires. In which one of the following countries Kimberley region is located?

a) USA

b) Australia

c) France

d)Canada

Answer: (b) Australia

59.    Chennai-based two-wheeler maker TVS Motor Company launched its premium Apache RTR 180 bike on 11 March 2011. Which unique technology does the bike boast of?

a.    Special cooling technology

b.    anti-lock braking system technology

c.    petrol control technology

d.    shock absorb technology

Answer: (b)

60.    TPG and the Shriram Group will take over which one of the following retail chains through a joint venture subsidiary of the two companies- TPG Wholesale Private Limited?

a.    Vishal Retail

b.    Arvind Brands

c.    Classic Fashions

d.    Heritage Foods (India) Ltd

Answer: (a)

61.    Nippon Life in March 2011 agreed to pick up what percentage of shares in Reliance Life Insurance for Rs 3602 crore marking the single largest foreign direct investment in the insurance sector and the first M&A transaction after IRDA capped life insurance charges in October 2010?

a.    22.3%

b.    24%

c.    25.6%

d.    26%

Answer: (d)

62.    India's largest carmaker, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd rolled out its 10 millionth car on 15 March 2011. Which car was Maruti Suzuki’s 10 millionth car?

a.    blue Wagon-R

b.    red Maruti Omni

c.    red Swift Dezire

d.    black Ritz

Answer: (a)

63.    IT hardware firm HCL Infosystems announced on 17 March 2011 that it bagged an order worth Rs 300 crore from which of the following to deploy Wideband CDMA-based portable wireless network?

a.    Indian Navy

b.    Indian Air Force

c.    DRDO

d.    Indian Army

Answer: (b)

64.    Hindustan Unilever’s toothpaste brand Close Up tied up with which of the following gaming portals for the Close Up’s new variant Fire-Freeze?

a.    in5ane.com

b.    addictingames.com

c.    123kidzarea.com

d.    Zapak.com

Answer: (d)

65.    An Inter-Ministerial Group (IMG) to monitor the process of their release of 53 Indians on five hijacked ships being kept hostage in Somalia was decided to set up. Name the Cabinet Committee which in its meeting on 11 March 2011 decided to set up the IMG.

a.    Cabinet Committee on Foreign Relations

b.    Defence Committee of the Cabinet

c.    Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs

d.    Cabinet Committee on Security

Answer: (d)

66.    Which of the following missiles was not test-fired on 11 March 2011 by India’s Strategic Forces Command (SFC) establishing readiness of India’s nuclear deterrence systems?

1.    Dhanush

2.    Agni-IV

3.    Prithvi-II

4.    Ballistic Air Defence Missile System

a.    1 & 3

b.    2 & 4

c.    1 & 2

d.    3 & 4

Answer: (b)

67.    A devastating earthquake struck Japan on 11 March 2011 shaking buildings in a large swath of the country and giving rise to a 30 foot tsunami. What was the magnitude of the earthquake that hit Japan?

a.    8

b.    8.3

c.    8.9

d.    9.1

Answer: (c)

68.    Japan declared states of emergency for five nuclear reactors at two power plants after the units lost cooling ability in the aftermath of the powerful earthquake that struck on 11 March 2011. Which are the two nuclear plants where Japan declared a state of emergency following the earthquake?

1.    Fukushima Daini site

2.    Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant

3.    Kushima Nuclear Power Plant

4.    Ashihama Nuclear Power Plant

a.    1 & 3

b.    2 & 4

c.    1 & 2

d.    2 & 3

Answer: (c)

69.    Which Indian river-island was nominated by the Indian government to be included in the cultural landscape category of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) World Heritage list?

a.    Majuli

b.    Dhakuwakhana

c.    Nimati Ghat

d.    North Lakhimpur

Answer: (a)

70.    Who among the following list of journalists was on 15 March 2011 conferred the Chameli Devi Jain award 2010 for an outstanding woman media person?

a.    Shahina K K

b.    Shireen Bhan

c.    Prabha Dutt

d.    Bachi Karkaria

Answer: (a)

71.    Bollywood's own Razzies, the annual Golden Kela Awards named which actor was selected as the worst actor for his role in a film released in 2010?

a.    Salman Khan for Veer

b.    Shah Rukh Khan for My Name is Khan

c.    Imran Khan for I Hate Love Stories

d.    Hrithik Roshan for Guzaarish

Answer: (b)

72.    Mauritius has conferred one of his highest honours, Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and the Key of the Indian Ocean, on which of the following presidents?

a.    Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed

b.    Indian President Pratibha Patil

c.    US President barack Obama

d.    French President Nicolas Sarkozy

Answer: (a)

73.    Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) released its latest report on trends in the international arms trade on 14 March 2011. According to the report which country has been the world's biggest weapons importer over the past five years?

a.    China

b.    India

c.    South Korea

d.    Pakistan

Answer: (b)

74.    Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) released its latest report on trends in the international arms trade on 14 March 2011. When did SIPRI come into being?

a.    1960

b.    1966

c.    1970

d.    1983

Answer: (b)

75.    Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on 11 March 2011 announced in Lok Sabha an increase in the allocation under the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLAD) Scheme from Rs.2 crore to Rs.5 crore per Member. When was the MPLAD scheme introduced?

a.    1990

b.    1991

c.    1992

d.    1993

Answer: (d)

76.    Union Minister of Finance Pranab Mukherjee declared in the Lok Sabha on 11 March 2011 the extension of the existing Interest Subvention Scheme of providing short term loans to farmers at 7% interest with additional interest subvention for timely repayment to which of the following group?

a.    Small scale entrepreneurs

b.    Cottage industries & handicraft professionals

c.    Fishermen

d.    Horticulturists

Answer: (c)

77.    Indian agriculture needs Rs 108000 crore to fight climate change in the next five years to ensure food for all at a reasonable price by 2020. National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture is implemented under which of the following?

a.    NABARD

b.    Bharat Nirman

c.    Prime Minister's National Action Plan on Climate Change

d.    Accelerated Fodder Development Programme

Answer: (c)

78. Read the following sentences with regard to NSIC.

1.    National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC) is a public sector undertaking under the ministry of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME).

2.    NSIC was awarded the Mini Ratna status by the Indian Governmnet on 3 March 2011.

3.    NSIC has a marked presence both in the service as well as the manufacturing sectors.

4.    NSIC acts as a facilitator to promote small industries through various user-friendly and demand-driven schemes

Which of the following sentence/sentences is/are not true with regards to NSIC?

a.    Only 3

b.    1 & 3

c.    Only 2

d.    2 & 4

Answer: (a)

79.  In February 2011 imports rose to $31.70 billion, up 21.2 per cent over the same period in 2010 while exports rose 49.8 per cent to $23.60 billion. What was the trade deficit in February 2011?

a.     (-)8.1 billion

b.    (-)8 billion

c.    (-)8.3 billion

d.    (-)8.8 billion

Answer: (a)

80. The Reserve of India on 17 March 2011 increased the interest rate at which it injects liquidity into the banking system by 25 basis points to 6.75 per cent (repo rate). It also revised its inflation projection for March-end 2011 from 7 % to _?

a.    7.3

b.    7.5

c.    7.5

d.    8

Answer: (d)

81. An international team of scientists, led by the Australian National University recently discovered evidence that the body’s immune cells often share information about foreign substances with each other to ward of invaders. The study can help increase the immunity level in human body against pathogens and cancer. Which of the followings are the symptoms of Cancer? 

i) Weight Loss

ii) Excessive Sweating

iii) Lumps and Swelling (tumour)

iv) Enlargement of Spleen

Please choose the correct option:

a)    i, ii, iii and iv

b)    i and ii only

c)    i, ii and iii

only i

Answer: (a) I, ii, iii and iv

82. According to an extensive genetic study on modern humans, two conclusions were drawn out.

i) There is an enormous amount of diversity in the African hunter-gatherer populations.

ii) The genetic diversity among 27 present-day African populations originated in southern Africa and progressed to northern Africa.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

a)    Both i and ii

b)    Neither I and ii

c)    Only i

d)    Only ii

Answer: (a) both i and ii

83. A massive Tsunami caused by a devastating earthquake of the 8.9 magnitude hit about 400 km north-east of Tokyo, capital of Japan. Consider the following statements regarding Tsunami.

i) A Tsunami is a series of ocean waves that sends surges of water, reaching heights of over 100 feet onto land.

ii) Most tsunamis, about 80 percent, happen within the Pacific Ocean’s Ring of Fire, a geologically active area where tectonic shifts make earthquakes and volcanoes common.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

a)    Both i and ii

b)    Only i

c)    Only ii

d)    Neither i  nor ii

Answer: (a) Both i and ii

84.  A massive Tsunami caused by a devastating earthquake of the 8.9 magnitude hit about 400 km north-east of Tokyo, capital of Japan. Where is the Pacific Tsunami Warning System headquartered?

a) Hawai

b) Tokyo

c) Manila

d) Jakarta

Answer: (a) Hawai

85. A massive Tsunami caused by a devastating earthquake of the 8.9 magnitude hit about 400 km north-east of Tokyo, capital of japan. What are the possible factors which can cause Tsunami?

i)An Earthquake

ii) A landslide

iii) A volcanic eruption or explosion

iv) Impact by a meteorite

Please choose the right option

a)    i, ii, iii and iv

b)    i and ii only

c)    ii and iii only

d)    i and iv only

Answer: (a) i, ii, iii and iv

86. As per the official data released by TRAI on 9 March 2011, which state in MNP Zone-2 recorded the maximum number of request for mobile number portability by end of February 2011?

a.    Tamil Nadu

b.    Karnataka

c.    West Bengal

d.    Assam

Answer: (b) Karnataka

87. The Enforcement Directorate has booked Pune-based real estate agent and stud farm owner Hasan Ali Khan under section 3 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. When did PMLA come into existence?

a.    2000

b.    2002

c.    2005

d.    1999

Answer: (c) 2005

88. The e-commerce portal of India Post, was launched by Union Minister Kapil Sibal on 9 March 2011 provide postal services online. Which among the following is the correct name of the portal?

a.    e-post office

b.    e-post service

c.    e-postal services

d.    India Post e-commerce

Answer: (a) e-post office

89. Steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal overtook Mukesh Ambani to become the wealthiest Indian as per the annual Forbes list of World Billionaires for 2011. What is Lakshmi Mittal’s ranking in the list?

a.    Fourth

b.    Sixth

c.    Ninth

d.    Eleventh

Answer: (b) Sixth

90. According to the Economic Survey of India 2010-11, Forex Reserves estimated at __ US dollars.

a) 297.3 billion US dollars

b) 245.6 billion US dollars

c) 285.4 billion US dollars

d) 113.2 billion US dollars

Answer: (a) 297.3 billion US dollars

91. Consider the following statements regarding the Economic Survey of India 2010-11.

i) Agriculture likely to grow at 5.4% in 2010-11

ii) Trade Gap narrowed to 82.01 billion US dollars in April-December 2010

iii) 59% rise in Bank Credit

Please choose the right option:

a)    All the three statements  i, ii and iii are correct ; b) only I and ii are correct

b)    All three statements are wrong ; d) only i) is correct

Answer: (a) All three Statements i, ii and iii are correct

92.  India’s External debt stood at 295.8 billion US dollars at the end of September 2010, recording an increase of 33.5 billion US dollars ove the level of end-March 2010. The rise in debt was largely due to

i) Higher Commercial borrowings; ii) Short-term trade credits

iii) Multilateral government borrowings

Please choose the right option:

a)    Only i  b) only i and ii

b)    Only i and iii ; d) All I,ii and iii

Answer: (d) All i, ii and iii

93. Consider the following statements:

1. India’s exports crossed the USD 200 billion mark in the first eleven months of the 2010-11 fiscal.

2. The trade gap for the first 11 months of the financial year 2010-11 stood at USD 97.1 billion.

3. African countries and Japan were the traditional markets for Indian exporters during the 2010-11.

4. The current forecast for the 2011-12 is USD 230-235 billion.

Which of the statement given above is not correct?

a.1

b. 2

c. 3

d.4

Answer: (c) 3

94. Foreign Minister of Brazil Antonio Patriota, reached India for a five day visit on 5 March 2011 for the Bilateral and the IBSA Ministerial meetings. What was the major agreement signed between Indian & Brazil during this period?

a.    Air Services Agreement

b.    Agreement on disarmament & non-proliferation

c.    Bilateral trade and investment agreement

d.    Climate change agreement

Answer: (a) Air Services Agreement

95. Which of the following days in March is observed as the International Children Broadcasting Day?

a.    6 March

b.    7 March

c.    9 March

d.    13 March

Answer: (a) 6 March

96. Singapore on 5 March 2011 appointed Brigadier General Ravinder Singh as its next army chief. Who was the first ever Sikh and non-Chinese to take up the post of army chief of Singapore in 1982?

a.    Colonel Mancharan Singh Gill

b.    Hari Singh Nalwa

c.    Harchand Singh

d.    Nirmal Chandra Suri

Answer: (a) Colonel Mancharan Singh Gill

97.  Which one of the following states recently announced 2-year child care leave for its women employees?

a) Bihar

b) Uttar Pradesh

c) Tamil Nadu

d) Uttarakhand

Answer: (d) Uttarakhand

98. The Foreign Ministers of the Least Developed Countries (LDC) and India attended the India-LCD Ministerial Conference on 18-19 February 2011. Where it was held?

a) New Delhi

b) Tripoli

c) Thimpu

d) Kathmandu

Answer: (a) New Delhi

99. What was the theme of International Women’s day in 2011?

a) Equal Access to Education, Training and Science and Technology: Pathway to Decent Work for Women.

b) Celebrating Women’s Power

c) Equality, Freedom and Unity

d) Equal Opportunities for All

Answer: (a) Equal Access to Education, Training and Science and Technology: Pathway to Decent Work for Women.

100. Illinois became __th State of the United States to abolish the death penalty when its Governor Pat Quinn announced the decision on 9 March 2011?

a) 15th

b) 14th

c) 16th

d) 17th


AnswerLATEST CURRENT AFFAIRS 100 MCQs

1.    Which one of the following companies became the first major online retailer to offer cloud-based media storage and streaming to unlimited web or Android devices with a free basic plan?

a.    Amazon

b.    Roamans

c.    LL BeAN

d.    vita Coast

Answer: (a)

2.    State-owned carrier Air India announced on 29 March 2011 that it completed the first milestone of its modernisation process with the migration of Air India and Indian Airlines to SITA's Horizon Passenger Service System (PSS). When did Air India sign contract with SITA for the same?

a.    January 2011

b.    March 2010

c.    October 2009

d.    April 2010

Answer: (d)

3.    NYSE listed US-based International Paper decided to buy up to 75% stake in which of the following for up to $423 million, in the first significant domestic acquisition by a foreign paper company?

a.    Abhinav Publications

b.    Vinod Paper House

c.    Ananda Paper House

d.    AP Paper Mills

Answer: (d)

4.    Sistema Shyam Teleservices issued over 54.73-crore equity shares to which of the following governments at 17.14 per cent stake against $600 million received in December 2010 on 30 March 2011?

a.    Italian government

b.    US government

c.    Russian government

d.    Philippines government

Answer: (c)

5. According to the tiger Census 2010, the number of tigers in India increased from 1411 to__.

a) 1706

b) 1672

c) 1511

d) 1611

Answer: (a) 1706

6. Which one of the following statements on tiger Census 2010 in India is NOT correct?

a) The number of tigers in India increased from 1411 in 2006 to 1706 in 2010.

b) The tiger census 2010 was unveiled by the Union Home Ministry.

c) The tiger occupancy areas decreased from 93600 sq. km to areas of 72800sq.km.

d) In the Sunderbans, the tiger Census took place for the first time.

Answer: (b) The tiger Census was unveiled by the Union ministry of Environment and Forests.

7.  In tiger census 2010,

i) Pugmarks were used as the only indicator of tiger numbers.

ii)An advanced Scientific process was adopted which included video trapping and use of satellite data.

Which of the above statements is/are incorrect?

Choose the right option:

a)    Only i is incorrect

b)    Only ii is incorrect

c)    Both i and ii are incorrect

d)    Both i and ii are not incorrect

Answer: ( a)  Only i is incorrect

8. In the Sunderbans, the tiger Census took place for the first time. In which one of the following states of India Sunderbans is located?

a) West Bengal

b) Orissa

C) Andhra Pradesh

d) Tamil Nadu

Answer: (a)  West Bengal, next to the Bay of Bengal

9. Scientists, at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute UK, for the first time identified genetic mutations that lead to the development of acute myeloid leukaemia. Acute myeloid leukaemia is a cancer of the__.

a) White Blood Cells (WBC)

b) Red blood Cells (RBC)

c) Liver Cells

d) Stem Cells

Answer: (a) White Blood Cells (WBC)

10. Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper resigned after a no-confidence vote was passed by 156-145 vote against him in the Canadian Parliament on 25 March 2011.  He belongs to which one of the following political parties?

a) Conservative Party

b) Liberal Party

c) Congress Party

d) Democratic Party

Answer: (a) Conservative Party

11. Which of the following statements regarding the outgoing Prime Minister Stephen Harper of Canada are/is correct?

i) He is the 22nd Prime Minister of Canada.

ii) He was sworn as Prime Minister of Canada on 6 February 2006.

Choose the right option:

a)    Both i and ii are correct.

b)    Both i and ii are incorrect.

c)    Only i is correct.

d)    Only ii is correct.

Answer: (a) Both i and ii are correct.

12.  Latikia, witnessed the mass unrest against the ruling President Bashar al-Assad on 25-26 March 2011. Where the place Latikia is located?

a) Syria

b) Egypt

c) Yemen

d) Pakistan

Answer: (a) Syria

13.  Latikia, witnessed the mass unrest against the ruling President Bashar al-Assad on 25-26 March 2011. Which of the following statements is/are incorrect?

i) Bashar al-Assad is the President of Egypt

ii) Latikia is in Syria

a)    Both the statements are incorrect

b)    Only i is incorrect

c)    Only ii is incorrect

d)    Both the statements are not incorrect

Answer: (b) only i is incorrect; Bashar al-Assad is the President of Syria

14. The Rajya Sabha, the upper House in Indian Parliament, on 24 March 2011 passed the bill___ changing the name of Orissa to Odisha.

a) Orissa (the Alteration of Name) Bill, 2010

b) Odisha(the Alteration of Name) Bill,2011

c) Orissa (the Alteration of Name) Bill, 2011

d) Odisha(the Alteration of Name) Bill, 2010

Answer:  (a) Orissa (the Alteration of Name) Bill, 2010

15.    Earth quake of 6.8 magnitude struck Myanmar’s borders with Thailand and Laos, about 70 miles (110 kilometers) from the northern Thai city of Chiang Rai on 24 March 2011. What was the magnitude of the quake?

a.    6

b.    6.3

c.    6.8

d.    7.6

Answer: (c)

16.    The Shunglu Committee set up to probe corruption in organising the Commonwealth Games (CWG) on 23 March 2011 submitted its second report to the Cabinet Secretary. Which private developer was indicted in the second report?

a.    Emaar MGF

b.    Royale Builders and Developers

c.    Green Field Real Estate

d.    DLF

Answer: (a)

17.    The World Meteorological Organization with its 189 Members and the worldwide meteorological community celebrate World Meteorological Day every year on 23 March. When was the WMO Convention convened for the first time with the purpose of setting up the World Meteorological Organization?

a.    1947

b.    149

c.    150

d.    1956

Answer: (d)

18.    To how many village panchayats was the Nirmal Gram Puraskar awarded by President Pratibha Patil on 23 March 2011?

a.    1543

b.    2808

c.    29

d.    166

Answer: (b)

19.    The Indian government on 24 March 2011 constituted 11member Financial Sector Legislative Reforms Commission (FSLRC) to examine the means of oversight on regulators and their autonomy from the government. Who will head the committee?

a.    Retired Supreme Court Justice BN Srikrishna

b.    former PFRDA Chairman D Swarup

c.    RBI Governor Dr. D. Subbarao

d.    PMEAC member M Govinda Rao

Answer: (a)

20.    On which of the following freedom fighters was a commemorative postage stamp released by the Indian President Pratibha Patil on 24 March 2011?

a.    Padmaja Naidu

b.    Padmaja Naidu

c.    Sucheta Kriplani

d.    Subhadra Joshi

Answer: (d)

21.    Which of the following radio stations was awarded the Most Successful Radio Channel of the Year at the FICCI Frames Excellence Awards 2011 was given out on 25 March 2011?

a.    Radio Mirchi (98.3)

b.    Big FM (92.7)

c.    Red FM (93.5)

d.    Radio One (95)

Answer: (a)

22.    Read the following statement with reference to renowned dancer Leela Samson.

1.    Leela Samson was appointed chairperson of the Central Board for Film Certification on 28 March 2011 by Information and Broadcasting Ministry.

2.    Leela Samson is a renowned Kathakali dancer of India.

3.    Leela Samson won the prestigious Bharat Ratna award in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the art of dance in 1990.

4.    Two documentary films were made on her work namely- Sanchari and The Flowering Tree.

Which of the above mentioned statements is/are false?

a.    2 & 4

b.    3 & 4

c.    2 & 3

d.    Only 4

Answer: (c)

23.    Nisha P. Rajagopal has been chosen as the first recipient of ‘The Hindu Saregama M.S. Subbulakshmi Award instituted on 16 September 2010. To which of the following type of music is she famous for?

a.    Carnatic

b.    Hindusthani classical

c.    Haryanavi Music

d.    Ganasangeet

Answer: (a)

24. A team of Scientists led by Takehiko at Yokohama City University grew sperms in a test-tube. Consider the following statements regarding the scientific breakthrough.

i)   Sperms were grown in a Test-tube for the first time.

ii)  The Scientific breakthrough could help millions of infertile men to attain parenthood.

Now choose the right option:

a)   Both i and ii statements are correct

b)   Only i is correct

c)   Only ii is correct

d)   Both I and ii statements are wrong

Answer: (a) Both i and ii statements are correct

25. The Union ministry of Environment and Forests, recently asked state governments to declare bamboo as a minor forest produce to address livelihood issues of forest dwellers and tribals.  Bamboo is a__.

a) Grass

b) Tree

c) Plant

d) Wood

Answer: (a) Grass

26. The Union Cabinet of India, on 22 March 2011, approved the amendments to the Indian Forest Act, 1927. The amendment to the Indian Forest Act raised the limit to which fines for relatively minor offences can be compounded from 50 rupees to _ rupees.

a) 9000 rupees

b) 10000 rupees

c) 11000 rupees

d) 12000 rupees

Answer: (b) 10000 rupees

27. Earthquake in Myanmar measured at magnitude 6.8 killed 73 people and injured 111 people on 25 March 2011. The strength of an earthquake can be measured by a device called ___.

a) Seismograph

b) Barometer

c) Algometer

d) Thermometer

Answer: (a) Seismograph

28.    Somdev Devvarman was defeated by which of the following ace tennis players at the quarter finals of the Indian Wells Masters in Californiain in two close sets 5-7 4-6 in March 2011?

a.    Cypriot Marcos

b.    Robin Soderling

c.    Rafael Nadal

d.    Andy Murray

Answer: (c)

29.    World No. 4 India’s Saina Nehwal won the Swiss Grand Prix 2011 by defeating Ji Hyun Sung of South Korea 21-13, 21-14. She had earlier defeated the South Korean badminton player in which of the following tournaments?

a.    Swiss Grand Prix 2011

b.    Indonesia Open Super Series in 2010

c.    All England Open Badminton Championships 2010

d.    Irish Open

Answer: (b)

30.    Who defeated Spanish ace tennis player and World No 1 Rafael Nadal 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 on 20 March 2011 to win the ATP Indian Wells title?

a.    Novak Djokovic

b.    Robin Sderling

c.    Andy Murray

d.    Andy Roddick

Answer: (a)

31.    Which of the following football clubs got back on track with a 2-0 win against Arsenal in the FA Cup quarterfinals at Old Trafford on 12 March 2011?

a.    Manchester United

b.    Chelsea

c.    Real Madrid

d.    Liverpool

Answer: (a)

32.    Which of the following teams did Pakistan defeat in the Quarter final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 to reach the semi finals?

a.    India

b.    New Zealand

c.    West Indies

d.    Australia

Answer: (c)

33.    According to the latest WTA list, Sania Mirza broke back into the top-100 in the singles list with a jump of eight places.   What is Sania Mirza’s current position in the singles list?

a.    95

b.    90

c.    99

d.    75

Answer: (c)  

34.    Which Indian cricketer was declared the man of the match in the ICC World Cup Quarter final match between India and Australia in Ahmadabad on 24 March 2011?

a.    M S Dhoni

b.    Suresh Raina

c.    Yuvraj Singh

d.    Yusuf Pathan

Answer: (c)

35.    Based on the recommendations of FIPB the Indian Government on 23 March 2011 approved 14 Foreign Direct Investment proposals and 27 proposals. What is the total worth of the FDI proposals accepted by the government?

a.    Rs 1289 crore

b.    Rs 1500 crore

c.    Rs 1342 crore

d.    Rs 1100 crore

Answer: (a)

36.    The finance ministry has opposed the Reserve Bank of India’s suggestion to restrict foreign direct investment in new banks. RBI had restricted foreign direct investment in new banks to what percentage?

a.    43%

b.    43.22%

c.    45.7%

d.    49%

Answer: (d)

37.    Consider the following statements-

1.    CAG in March 2011 sent a questionnaire consisting 40 questions to the telecom ministry on 2G spectrum allocation scam and other developments in the sector.

2.    The department of telecom (DoT) was asked as to why the spectrum (radio waves) allocation was not delinked from the licence as it was known that spectrum was scarce vis-a-vis the demand.

3.    The Parliamentary panel wanted to know whether DoT consulted telecom regulator TRAI regarding the “No Cap” recommendation on number of operators in a circle.

4.    The loss incurred by the exchequer as a result of the 2G scam is estimated to be Rs 185379 crore

Which of the above mentioned statements related to the 2G scam is true?

a.    All of the above statements

b.    1 & 4

c.    2 & 3

d.    2 & 4

Answer: (c)

38.    Which of the following bodies ordered restriction on transmitting unauthenticated news by brokers and wealth managers on blogs and mobile phones in an effort to prevent stock manipulation through rumours?

a.    RBI

b.    IRDA

c.    FIPB

d.    SEBI

Answer: (d)

39.    Which of the following bodies put off indefinitely the new rules governing unwanted telemarketing calls which were supposed to be implemented from 21 March 2011?

a.    Department of Telecommunication (DoT)

b.    Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)

c.    Indian Ministry of communication & Technology

d.    HRD Ministry

Answer: (b)

40.    The Indian government in March 2011 conferred the Miniratna status on which of the following PSUs?

a.    National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC)

b.    Air India Charters Ltd

c.    Cement Corporation of India

d.    HMT Machine Tools Ltd

Answer: (a)

41.    Gilead Sciences, a California based bio-pharmaceutical research firm, and its patent partner, Roche Holding AG, have sued which of the following Indian generic drug makers in March 2011 for allegedly infringing a US patent for Tamiflu, a drug used in treatment of bird and swine-flu infections?

a.    Dr Reddy’s

b.    Natco Pharma

c.    Ranbaxy Laboratories

d.    GlaxoSmithKline

Answer: (b)

42.    AT&T on Sunday announced that it had agreed to buy T-Mobile USA from which of the following telecom companies for $39 billion?

a.    Deutsche Telekom

b.    Sprint Nextel

c.    Verizon Wireless

d.    Comcast

Answer: (a)

43.    A consortium comprising two companies acquired the IPL’s global Internet, mobile and audio rights, along with television rights in specific territories outside India, for the next four years. The consortium bagged the rights with a winning bid of Rs 261.6 crore in Chennai on 20 March 2011. Which are the two companies included in the consortium?

a.    TIL & Nimbus Communication

b.    Reliance Big Pictures & Zoom

c.    TIL & Colors

d.    Zoom and UTV Motion Pictures

Answer: (a)

44.    HCL Technologies on Thursday announced the expansion of its Smart Grid partner ecosystem by entering into strategic alliances with two data management software firms focused on the smart grid market. Which are the two firms with which HCL has entered into an alliance?

1.    Infosys

2.    eMeter

3.    Cape Gemini

4.    Tridium

a.    1 & 2

b.    2 & 3

c.    2 & 4

d.    1 & 4

Answer: (c)

45.    In India’s first sale of rupee perpetual bonds by a non-finance company Rs 1500 crore ($332 million) was raised. Name the non-finance company.

a.    Tata Steel

b.    Pantallons Retail

c.    RIL

d.    Maruti Suzuki

Answer: (a)

46.    Online marketplace eBay India, in association with leading apparel brand Reebok auctioned a bat autographed by Indian cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni. The proceeds of the auction will go to which of the following NGOs?

a.    Oxfem

b.    CRY

c.    All Bengal Women’s Union

d.    UNEM

Answer: (b)

47.    Who did HDFC Bank, the country's second-largest private sector lender appoint  in March 2011 to head its investment banking division?

a.    Rakesh Singh

b.    Charul Madan

c.    Gaurav Khungar

d.    Atul Singh

Answer: (a)

48.    Read the following statements with regard to a veteran Bollywood actor.

1.    The actor was first introduced in Bollywood movies by actor-filmmaker Sanjay Khan in the film Abdullah.

2.    He essayed the role of villain in more than 200 films.

3.    He was seen in movies like Kaalia, Mard, Nastik, Qurbani, Mr India etc

4.    The actor's biography, Flashback: My Times in Bollywood and Beyond, was to be released by Akshay Kumar in June 2011.

5.    He died at the Jayadeva Institute of Cardiology in Bangalore on 20 March 2011.

Identify the actor being referred to.

a.    Bob Christo

b.    Amjad Khan

c.    Sadashiv Amrapurkar

d.    Milind Gunaji

Answer: (a)

49.    Former Israeli president Moshe Katsav was on 22 March 2011 sentenced to seven years in jail after being convicted for rape. To which of the following parties does he belong to?

a.    Kadima

b.    Likud

c.    United Torah Judaism

d.    Labor Party

Answer: (b)

50.    The prime minister has constituted a committee to suggest rules and regulations for government procurement based on global best practices though India is a not a member of the GPA. What is the full form of GPA?

a.    Government’s People Act

b.    Government Procurement Act

c.    Governmental Public Association

d.    Government for Procurement Agency

Answer: (b)

51.    A weeklong exhibition of handloom and handicrafts, Bihar Utsav-2011 was organised by the Bihar Government in March 2011 to commemorate Bihar’s Foundation Day. When was the modern State of Bihar carved out of Bengal Presidency?

a.    22 March 1912

b.    2 March 1913

c.    31 March 1913

d.    7 March 1912

Answer: (a)

52.    A short film, Eclipse In Taregna which is about 2009 solar eclipse in Targena, a small hamlet in Bihar won the Founder’s Choice Award at which of the following international film festivals in March 2011?

a.    India International Film Festival

b.    Tampa Bay

c.    Queens World Film Festival

d.    New York Indian Film Festival

Answer: (c)

53.    Which one of the following social activist declared in March 2011 that he would sit on a fast on 5 April 2011 in Delhi in support of the introduction of Lokpal Bill to check corruption?

a.    Anna Hazare

b.    Medha Patkar

c.    Aruna Roy

d.    Bhaurao Patil

Answer: (a)

54. British Scientists discovered a cholesterol regulating protein which plays an important role in the formation of thrombosis a kind of blood clot that can result into heart attacks and strokes. What is the name of that protein?

a) LXR

b) LRX

c) XRL

d) LLL

Answer: (a) LXR

55. A report by the Climate Group, named India’s Clean Revolution, published on 18 March 2011 revealed that the market for low carbon goods and services in India could reach 135 billion US dollars by the year___.

a) 2020

b) 2015

c) 2017

d) 2018

Answer: (a) 2020

56. A New Technology Called High Tibial Osteotomy was developed in India to cure which one of the followings?

a) Cancer

b) TB

c) Knee Problems

d) Skin Cancer

Answer: (c) Knee Problems

57. Scientists from which one of the following countries created a herd of more than 200 cows that is capable of producing milk similar to that of humans?

a) China

b) India

c) USA

d) UK

Answer: (a) China

58. A study of the conservation needs of the Kimberley region showed that dozens of mammals, lizards, birds and other vertebrates are endangered because of hunting by feral cats and destruction of their habitat by wild donkeys and fires. In which one of the following countries Kimberley region is located?

a) USA

b) Australia

c) France

d)Canada

Answer: (b) Australia

59.    Chennai-based two-wheeler maker TVS Motor Company launched its premium Apache RTR 180 bike on 11 March 2011. Which unique technology does the bike boast of?

a.    Special cooling technology

b.    anti-lock braking system technology

c.    petrol control technology

d.    shock absorb technology

Answer: (b)

60.    TPG and the Shriram Group will take over which one of the following retail chains through a joint venture subsidiary of the two companies- TPG Wholesale Private Limited?

a.    Vishal Retail

b.    Arvind Brands

c.    Classic Fashions

d.    Heritage Foods (India) Ltd

Answer: (a)

61.    Nippon Life in March 2011 agreed to pick up what percentage of shares in Reliance Life Insurance for Rs 3602 crore marking the single largest foreign direct investment in the insurance sector and the first M&A transaction after IRDA capped life insurance charges in October 2010?

a.    22.3%

b.    24%

c.    25.6%

d.    26%

Answer: (d)

62.    India's largest carmaker, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd rolled out its 10 millionth car on 15 March 2011. Which car was Maruti Suzuki’s 10 millionth car?

a.    blue Wagon-R

b.    red Maruti Omni

c.    red Swift Dezire

d.    black Ritz

Answer: (a)

63.    IT hardware firm HCL Infosystems announced on 17 March 2011 that it bagged an order worth Rs 300 crore from which of the following to deploy Wideband CDMA-based portable wireless network?

a.    Indian Navy

b.    Indian Air Force

c.    DRDO

d.    Indian Army

Answer: (b)

64.    Hindustan Unilever’s toothpaste brand Close Up tied up with which of the following gaming portals for the Close Up’s new variant Fire-Freeze?

a.    in5ane.com

b.    addictingames.com

c.    123kidzarea.com

d.    Zapak.com

Answer: (d)

65.    An Inter-Ministerial Group (IMG) to monitor the process of their release of 53 Indians on five hijacked ships being kept hostage in Somalia was decided to set up. Name the Cabinet Committee which in its meeting on 11 March 2011 decided to set up the IMG.

a.    Cabinet Committee on Foreign Relations

b.    Defence Committee of the Cabinet

c.    Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs

d.    Cabinet Committee on Security

Answer: (d)

66.    Which of the following missiles was not test-fired on 11 March 2011 by India’s Strategic Forces Command (SFC) establishing readiness of India’s nuclear deterrence systems?

1.    Dhanush

2.    Agni-IV

3.    Prithvi-II

4.    Ballistic Air Defence Missile System

a.    1 & 3

b.    2 & 4

c.    1 & 2

d.    3 & 4

Answer: (b)

67.    A devastating earthquake struck Japan on 11 March 2011 shaking buildings in a large swath of the country and giving rise to a 30 foot tsunami. What was the magnitude of the earthquake that hit Japan?

a.    8

b.    8.3

c.    8.9

d.    9.1

Answer: (c)

68.    Japan declared states of emergency for five nuclear reactors at two power plants after the units lost cooling ability in the aftermath of the powerful earthquake that struck on 11 March 2011. Which are the two nuclear plants where Japan declared a state of emergency following the earthquake?

1.    Fukushima Daini site

2.    Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant

3.    Kushima Nuclear Power Plant

4.    Ashihama Nuclear Power Plant

a.    1 & 3

b.    2 & 4

c.    1 & 2

d.    2 & 3

Answer: (c)

69.    Which Indian river-island was nominated by the Indian government to be included in the cultural landscape category of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) World Heritage list?

a.    Majuli

b.    Dhakuwakhana

c.    Nimati Ghat

d.    North Lakhimpur

Answer: (a)

70.    Who among the following list of journalists was on 15 March 2011 conferred the Chameli Devi Jain award 2010 for an outstanding woman media person?

a.    Shahina K K

b.    Shireen Bhan

c.    Prabha Dutt

d.    Bachi Karkaria

Answer: (a)

71.    Bollywood's own Razzies, the annual Golden Kela Awards named which actor was selected as the worst actor for his role in a film released in 2010?

a.    Salman Khan for Veer

b.    Shah Rukh Khan for My Name is Khan

c.    Imran Khan for I Hate Love Stories

d.    Hrithik Roshan for Guzaarish

Answer: (b)

72.    Mauritius has conferred one of his highest honours, Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and the Key of the Indian Ocean, on which of the following presidents?

a.    Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed

b.    Indian President Pratibha Patil

c.    US President barack Obama

d.    French President Nicolas Sarkozy

Answer: (a)

73.    Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) released its latest report on trends in the international arms trade on 14 March 2011. According to the report which country has been the world's biggest weapons importer over the past five years?

a.    China

b.    India

c.    South Korea

d.    Pakistan

Answer: (b)

74.    Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) released its latest report on trends in the international arms trade on 14 March 2011. When did SIPRI come into being?

a.    1960

b.    1966

c.    1970

d.    1983

Answer: (b)

75.    Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on 11 March 2011 announced in Lok Sabha an increase in the allocation under the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLAD) Scheme from Rs.2 crore to Rs.5 crore per Member. When was the MPLAD scheme introduced?

a.    1990

b.    1991

c.    1992

d.    1993

Answer: (d)

76.    Union Minister of Finance Pranab Mukherjee declared in the Lok Sabha on 11 March 2011 the extension of the existing Interest Subvention Scheme of providing short term loans to farmers at 7% interest with additional interest subvention for timely repayment to which of the following group?

a.    Small scale entrepreneurs

b.    Cottage industries & handicraft professionals

c.    Fishermen

d.    Horticulturists

Answer: (c)

77.    Indian agriculture needs Rs 108000 crore to fight climate change in the next five years to ensure food for all at a reasonable price by 2020. National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture is implemented under which of the following?

a.    NABARD

b.    Bharat Nirman

c.    Prime Minister's National Action Plan on Climate Change

d.    Accelerated Fodder Development Programme

Answer: (c)

78. Read the following sentences with regard to NSIC.

1.    National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC) is a public sector undertaking under the ministry of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME).

2.    NSIC was awarded the Mini Ratna status by the Indian Governmnet on 3 March 2011.

3.    NSIC has a marked presence both in the service as well as the manufacturing sectors.

4.    NSIC acts as a facilitator to promote small industries through various user-friendly and demand-driven schemes

Which of the following sentence/sentences is/are not true with regards to NSIC?

a.    Only 3

b.    1 & 3

c.    Only 2

d.    2 & 4

Answer: (a)

79.  In February 2011 imports rose to $31.70 billion, up 21.2 per cent over the same period in 2010 while exports rose 49.8 per cent to $23.60 billion. What was the trade deficit in February 2011?

a.     (-)8.1 billion

b.    (-)8 billion

c.    (-)8.3 billion

d.    (-)8.8 billion

Answer: (a)

80. The Reserve of India on 17 March 2011 increased the interest rate at which it injects liquidity into the banking system by 25 basis points to 6.75 per cent (repo rate). It also revised its inflation projection for March-end 2011 from 7 % to _?

a.    7.3

b.    7.5

c.    7.5

d.    8

Answer: (d)

81. An international team of scientists, led by the Australian National University recently discovered evidence that the body’s immune cells often share information about foreign substances with each other to ward of invaders. The study can help increase the immunity level in human body against pathogens and cancer. Which of the followings are the symptoms of Cancer? 

i) Weight Loss

ii) Excessive Sweating

iii) Lumps and Swelling (tumour)

iv) Enlargement of Spleen

Please choose the correct option:

a)    i, ii, iii and iv

b)    i and ii only

c)    i, ii and iii

only i

Answer: (a) I, ii, iii and iv

82. According to an extensive genetic study on modern humans, two conclusions were drawn out.

i) There is an enormous amount of diversity in the African hunter-gatherer populations.

ii) The genetic diversity among 27 present-day African populations originated in southern Africa and progressed to northern Africa.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

a)    Both i and ii

b)    Neither I and ii

c)    Only i

d)    Only ii

Answer: (a) both i and ii

83. A massive Tsunami caused by a devastating earthquake of the 8.9 magnitude hit about 400 km north-east of Tokyo, capital of Japan. Consider the following statements regarding Tsunami.

i) A Tsunami is a series of ocean waves that sends surges of water, reaching heights of over 100 feet onto land.

ii) Most tsunamis, about 80 percent, happen within the Pacific Ocean’s Ring of Fire, a geologically active area where tectonic shifts make earthquakes and volcanoes common.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

a)    Both i and ii

b)    Only i

c)    Only ii

d)    Neither i  nor ii

Answer: (a) Both i and ii

84.  A massive Tsunami caused by a devastating earthquake of the 8.9 magnitude hit about 400 km north-east of Tokyo, capital of Japan. Where is the Pacific Tsunami Warning System headquartered?

a) Hawai

b) Tokyo

c) Manila

d) Jakarta

Answer: (a) Hawai

85. A massive Tsunami caused by a devastating earthquake of the 8.9 magnitude hit about 400 km north-east of Tokyo, capital of japan. What are the possible factors which can cause Tsunami?

i)An Earthquake

ii) A landslide

iii) A volcanic eruption or explosion

iv) Impact by a meteorite

Please choose the right option

a)    i, ii, iii and iv

b)    i and ii only

c)    ii and iii only

d)    i and iv only

Answer: (a) i, ii, iii and iv

86. As per the official data released by TRAI on 9 March 2011, which state in MNP Zone-2 recorded the maximum number of request for mobile number portability by end of February 2011?

a.    Tamil Nadu

b.    Karnataka

c.    West Bengal

d.    Assam

Answer: (b) Karnataka

87. The Enforcement Directorate has booked Pune-based real estate agent and stud farm owner Hasan Ali Khan under section 3 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. When did PMLA come into existence?

a.    2000

b.    2002

c.    2005

d.    1999

Answer: (c) 2005

88. The e-commerce portal of India Post, was launched by Union Minister Kapil Sibal on 9 March 2011 provide postal services online. Which among the following is the correct name of the portal?

a.    e-post office

b.    e-post service

c.    e-postal services

d.    India Post e-commerce

Answer: (a) e-post office

89. Steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal overtook Mukesh Ambani to become the wealthiest Indian as per the annual Forbes list of World Billionaires for 2011. What is Lakshmi Mittal’s ranking in the list?

a.    Fourth

b.    Sixth

c.    Ninth

d.    Eleventh

Answer: (b) Sixth

90. According to the Economic Survey of India 2010-11, Forex Reserves estimated at __ US dollars.

a) 297.3 billion US dollars

b) 245.6 billion US dollars

c) 285.4 billion US dollars

d) 113.2 billion US dollars

Answer: (a) 297.3 billion US dollars

91. Consider the following statements regarding the Economic Survey of India 2010-11.

i) Agriculture likely to grow at 5.4% in 2010-11

ii) Trade Gap narrowed to 82.01 billion US dollars in April-December 2010

iii) 59% rise in Bank Credit

Please choose the right option:

a)    All the three statements  i, ii and iii are correct ; b) only I and ii are correct

b)    All three statements are wrong ; d) only i) is correct

Answer: (a) All three Statements i, ii and iii are correct

92.  India’s External debt stood at 295.8 billion US dollars at the end of September 2010, recording an increase of 33.5 billion US dollars ove the level of end-March 2010. The rise in debt was largely due to

i) Higher Commercial borrowings; ii) Short-term trade credits

iii) Multilateral government borrowings

Please choose the right option:

a)    Only i  b) only i and ii

b)    Only i and iii ; d) All I,ii and iii

Answer: (d) All i, ii and iii

93. Consider the following statements:

1. India’s exports crossed the USD 200 billion mark in the first eleven months of the 2010-11 fiscal.

2. The trade gap for the first 11 months of the financial year 2010-11 stood at USD 97.1 billion.

3. African countries and Japan were the traditional markets for Indian exporters during the 2010-11.

4. The current forecast for the 2011-12 is USD 230-235 billion.

Which of the statement given above is not correct?

a.1

b. 2

c. 3

d.4

Answer: (c) 3

94. Foreign Minister of Brazil Antonio Patriota, reached India for a five day visit on 5 March 2011 for the Bilateral and the IBSA Ministerial meetings. What was the major agreement signed between Indian & Brazil during this period?

a.    Air Services Agreement

b.    Agreement on disarmament & non-proliferation

c.    Bilateral trade and investment agreement

d.    Climate change agreement

Answer: (a) Air Services Agreement

95. Which of the following days in March is observed as the International Children Broadcasting Day?

a.    6 March

b.    7 March

c.    9 March

d.    13 March

Answer: (a) 6 March

96. Singapore on 5 March 2011 appointed Brigadier General Ravinder Singh as its next army chief. Who was the first ever Sikh and non-Chinese to take up the post of army chief of Singapore in 1982?

a.    Colonel Mancharan Singh Gill

b.    Hari Singh Nalwa

c.    Harchand Singh

d.    Nirmal Chandra Suri

Answer: (a) Colonel Mancharan Singh Gill

97.  Which one of the following states recently announced 2-year child care leave for its women employees?

a) Bihar

b) Uttar Pradesh

c) Tamil Nadu

d) Uttarakhand

Answer: (d) Uttarakhand

98. The Foreign Ministers of the Least Developed Countries (LDC) and India attended the India-LCD Ministerial Conference on 18-19 February 2011. Where it was held?

a) New Delhi

b) Tripoli

c) Thimpu

d) Kathmandu

Answer: (a) New Delhi

99. What was the theme of International Women’s day in 2011?

a) Equal Access to Education, Training and Science and Technology: Pathway to Decent Work for Women.

b) Celebrating Women’s Power

c) Equality, Freedom and Unity

d) Equal Opportunities for All

Answer: (a) Equal Access to Education, Training and Science and Technology: Pathway to Decent Work for Women.

100. Illinois became __th State of the United States to abolish the death penalty when its Governor Pat Quinn announced the decision on 9 March 2011?

a) 15th

b) 14th

c) 16th

d) 17th

Answer: (b) 16thLATEST CURRENT AFFAIRS 100 MCQs

1.    Which one of the following companies became the first major online retailer to offer cloud-based media storage and streaming to unlimited web or Android devices with a free basic plan?

a.    Amazon

b.    Roamans

c.    LL BeAN

d.    vita Coast

Answer: (a)

2.    State-owned carrier Air India announced on 29 March 2011 that it completed the first milestone of its modernisation process with the migration of Air India and Indian Airlines to SITA's Horizon Passenger Service System (PSS). When did Air India sign contract with SITA for the same?

a.    January 2011

b.    March 2010

c.    October 2009

d.    April 2010

Answer: (d)

3.    NYSE listed US-based International Paper decided to buy up to 75% stake in which of the following for up to $423 million, in the first significant domestic acquisition by a foreign paper company?

a.    Abhinav Publications

b.    Vinod Paper House

c.    Ananda Paper House

d.    AP Paper Mills

Answer: (d)

4.    Sistema Shyam Teleservices issued over 54.73-crore equity shares to which of the following governments at 17.14 per cent stake against $600 million received in December 2010 on 30 March 2011?

a.    Italian government

b.    US government

c.    Russian government

d.    Philippines government

Answer: (c)

5. According to the tiger Census 2010, the number of tigers in India increased from 1411 to__.

a) 1706

b) 1672

c) 1511

d) 1611

Answer: (a) 1706

6. Which one of the following statements on tiger Census 2010 in India is NOT correct?

a) The number of tigers in India increased from 1411 in 2006 to 1706 in 2010.

b) The tiger census 2010 was unveiled by the Union Home Ministry.

c) The tiger occupancy areas decreased from 93600 sq. km to areas of 72800sq.km.

d) In the Sunderbans, the tiger Census took place for the first time.

Answer: (b) The tiger Census was unveiled by the Union ministry of Environment and Forests.

7.  In tiger census 2010,

i) Pugmarks were used as the only indicator of tiger numbers.

ii)An advanced Scientific process was adopted which included video trapping and use of satellite data.

Which of the above statements is/are incorrect?

Choose the right option:

a)    Only i is incorrect

b)    Only ii is incorrect

c)    Both i and ii are incorrect

d)    Both i and ii are not incorrect

Answer: ( a)  Only i is incorrect

8. In the Sunderbans, the tiger Census took place for the first time. In which one of the following states of India Sunderbans is located?

a) West Bengal

b) Orissa

C) Andhra Pradesh

d) Tamil Nadu

Answer: (a)  West Bengal, next to the Bay of Bengal

9. Scientists, at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute UK, for the first time identified genetic mutations that lead to the development of acute myeloid leukaemia. Acute myeloid leukaemia is a cancer of the__.

a) White Blood Cells (WBC)

b) Red blood Cells (RBC)

c) Liver Cells

d) Stem Cells

Answer: (a) White Blood Cells (WBC)

10. Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper resigned after a no-confidence vote was passed by 156-145 vote against him in the Canadian Parliament on 25 March 2011.  He belongs to which one of the following political parties?

a) Conservative Party

b) Liberal Party

c) Congress Party

d) Democratic Party

Answer: (a) Conservative Party

11. Which of the following statements regarding the outgoing Prime Minister Stephen Harper of Canada are/is correct?

i) He is the 22nd Prime Minister of Canada.

ii) He was sworn as Prime Minister of Canada on 6 February 2006.

Choose the right option:

a)    Both i and ii are correct.

b)    Both i and ii are incorrect.

c)    Only i is correct.

d)    Only ii is correct.

Answer: (a) Both i and ii are correct.

12.  Latikia, witnessed the mass unrest against the ruling President Bashar al-Assad on 25-26 March 2011. Where the place Latikia is located?

a) Syria

b) Egypt

c) Yemen

d) Pakistan

Answer: (a) Syria

13.  Latikia, witnessed the mass unrest against the ruling President Bashar al-Assad on 25-26 March 2011. Which of the following statements is/are incorrect?

i) Bashar al-Assad is the President of Egypt

ii) Latikia is in Syria

a)    Both the statements are incorrect

b)    Only i is incorrect

c)    Only ii is incorrect

d)    Both the statements are not incorrect

Answer: (b) only i is incorrect; Bashar al-Assad is the President of Syria

14. The Rajya Sabha, the upper House in Indian Parliament, on 24 March 2011 passed the bill___ changing the name of Orissa to Odisha.

a) Orissa (the Alteration of Name) Bill, 2010

b) Odisha(the Alteration of Name) Bill,2011

c) Orissa (the Alteration of Name) Bill, 2011

d) Odisha(the Alteration of Name) Bill, 2010

Answer:  (a) Orissa (the Alteration of Name) Bill, 2010

15.    Earth quake of 6.8 magnitude struck Myanmar’s borders with Thailand and Laos, about 70 miles (110 kilometers) from the northern Thai city of Chiang Rai on 24 March 2011. What was the magnitude of the quake?

a.    6

b.    6.3

c.    6.8

d.    7.6

Answer: (c)

16.    The Shunglu Committee set up to probe corruption in organising the Commonwealth Games (CWG) on 23 March 2011 submitted its second report to the Cabinet Secretary. Which private developer was indicted in the second report?

a.    Emaar MGF

b.    Royale Builders and Developers

c.    Green Field Real Estate

d.    DLF

Answer: (a)

17.    The World Meteorological Organization with its 189 Members and the worldwide meteorological community celebrate World Meteorological Day every year on 23 March. When was the WMO Convention convened for the first time with the purpose of setting up the World Meteorological Organization?

a.    1947

b.    149

c.    150

d.    1956

Answer: (d)

18.    To how many village panchayats was the Nirmal Gram Puraskar awarded by President Pratibha Patil on 23 March 2011?

a.    1543

b.    2808

c.    29

d.    166

Answer: (b)

19.    The Indian government on 24 March 2011 constituted 11member Financial Sector Legislative Reforms Commission (FSLRC) to examine the means of oversight on regulators and their autonomy from the government. Who will head the committee?

a.    Retired Supreme Court Justice BN Srikrishna

b.    former PFRDA Chairman D Swarup

c.    RBI Governor Dr. D. Subbarao

d.    PMEAC member M Govinda Rao

Answer: (a)

20.    On which of the following freedom fighters was a commemorative postage stamp released by the Indian President Pratibha Patil on 24 March 2011?

a.    Padmaja Naidu

b.    Padmaja Naidu

c.    Sucheta Kriplani

d.    Subhadra Joshi

Answer: (d)

21.    Which of the following radio stations was awarded the Most Successful Radio Channel of the Year at the FICCI Frames Excellence Awards 2011 was given out on 25 March 2011?

a.    Radio Mirchi (98.3)

b.    Big FM (92.7)

c.    Red FM (93.5)

d.    Radio One (95)

Answer: (a)

22.    Read the following statement with reference to renowned dancer Leela Samson.

1.    Leela Samson was appointed chairperson of the Central Board for Film Certification on 28 March 2011 by Information and Broadcasting Ministry.

2.    Leela Samson is a renowned Kathakali dancer of India.

3.    Leela Samson won the prestigious Bharat Ratna award in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the art of dance in 1990.

4.    Two documentary films were made on her work namely- Sanchari and The Flowering Tree.

Which of the above mentioned statements is/are false?

a.    2 & 4

b.    3 & 4

c.    2 & 3

d.    Only 4

Answer: (c)

23.    Nisha P. Rajagopal has been chosen as the first recipient of ‘The Hindu Saregama M.S. Subbulakshmi Award instituted on 16 September 2010. To which of the following type of music is she famous for?

a.    Carnatic

b.    Hindusthani classical

c.    Haryanavi Music

d.    Ganasangeet

Answer: (a)

24. A team of Scientists led by Takehiko at Yokohama City University grew sperms in a test-tube. Consider the following statements regarding the scientific breakthrough.

i)   Sperms were grown in a Test-tube for the first time.

ii)  The Scientific breakthrough could help millions of infertile men to attain parenthood.

Now choose the right option:

a)   Both i and ii statements are correct

b)   Only i is correct

c)   Only ii is correct

d)   Both I and ii statements are wrong

Answer: (a) Both i and ii statements are correct

25. The Union ministry of Environment and Forests, recently asked state governments to declare bamboo as a minor forest produce to address livelihood issues of forest dwellers and tribals.  Bamboo is a__.

a) Grass

b) Tree

c) Plant

d) Wood

Answer: (a) Grass

26. The Union Cabinet of India, on 22 March 2011, approved the amendments to the Indian Forest Act, 1927. The amendment to the Indian Forest Act raised the limit to which fines for relatively minor offences can be compounded from 50 rupees to _ rupees.

a) 9000 rupees

b) 10000 rupees

c) 11000 rupees

d) 12000 rupees

Answer: (b) 10000 rupees

27. Earthquake in Myanmar measured at magnitude 6.8 killed 73 people and injured 111 people on 25 March 2011. The strength of an earthquake can be measured by a device called ___.

a) Seismograph

b) Barometer

c) Algometer

d) Thermometer

Answer: (a) Seismograph

28.    Somdev Devvarman was defeated by which of the following ace tennis players at the quarter finals of the Indian Wells Masters in Californiain in two close sets 5-7 4-6 in March 2011?

a.    Cypriot Marcos

b.    Robin Soderling

c.    Rafael Nadal

d.    Andy Murray

Answer: (c)

29.    World No. 4 India’s Saina Nehwal won the Swiss Grand Prix 2011 by defeating Ji Hyun Sung of South Korea 21-13, 21-14. She had earlier defeated the South Korean badminton player in which of the following tournaments?

a.    Swiss Grand Prix 2011

b.    Indonesia Open Super Series in 2010

c.    All England Open Badminton Championships 2010

d.    Irish Open

Answer: (b)

30.    Who defeated Spanish ace tennis player and World No 1 Rafael Nadal 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 on 20 March 2011 to win the ATP Indian Wells title?

a.    Novak Djokovic

b.    Robin Sderling

c.    Andy Murray

d.    Andy Roddick

Answer: (a)

31.    Which of the following football clubs got back on track with a 2-0 win against Arsenal in the FA Cup quarterfinals at Old Trafford on 12 March 2011?

a.    Manchester United

b.    Chelsea

c.    Real Madrid

d.    Liverpool

Answer: (a)

32.    Which of the following teams did Pakistan defeat in the Quarter final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 to reach the semi finals?

a.    India

b.    New Zealand

c.    West Indies

d.    Australia

Answer: (c)

33.    According to the latest WTA list, Sania Mirza broke back into the top-100 in the singles list with a jump of eight places.   What is Sania Mirza’s current position in the singles list?

a.    95

b.    90

c.    99

d.    75

Answer: (c)  

34.    Which Indian cricketer was declared the man of the match in the ICC World Cup Quarter final match between India and Australia in Ahmadabad on 24 March 2011?

a.    M S Dhoni

b.    Suresh Raina

c.    Yuvraj Singh

d.    Yusuf Pathan

Answer: (c)

35.    Based on the recommendations of FIPB the Indian Government on 23 March 2011 approved 14 Foreign Direct Investment proposals and 27 proposals. What is the total worth of the FDI proposals accepted by the government?

a.    Rs 1289 crore

b.    Rs 1500 crore

c.    Rs 1342 crore

d.    Rs 1100 crore

Answer: (a)

36.    The finance ministry has opposed the Reserve Bank of India’s suggestion to restrict foreign direct investment in new banks. RBI had restricted foreign direct investment in new banks to what percentage?

a.    43%

b.    43.22%

c.    45.7%

d.    49%

Answer: (d)

37.    Consider the following statements-

1.    CAG in March 2011 sent a questionnaire consisting 40 questions to the telecom ministry on 2G spectrum allocation scam and other developments in the sector.

2.    The department of telecom (DoT) was asked as to why the spectrum (radio waves) allocation was not delinked from the licence as it was known that spectrum was scarce vis-a-vis the demand.

3.    The Parliamentary panel wanted to know whether DoT consulted telecom regulator TRAI regarding the “No Cap” recommendation on number of operators in a circle.

4.    The loss incurred by the exchequer as a result of the 2G scam is estimated to be Rs 185379 crore

Which of the above mentioned statements related to the 2G scam is true?

a.    All of the above statements

b.    1 & 4

c.    2 & 3

d.    2 & 4

Answer: (c)

38.    Which of the following bodies ordered restriction on transmitting unauthenticated news by brokers and wealth managers on blogs and mobile phones in an effort to prevent stock manipulation through rumours?

a.    RBI

b.    IRDA

c.    FIPB

d.    SEBI

Answer: (d)

39.    Which of the following bodies put off indefinitely the new rules governing unwanted telemarketing calls which were supposed to be implemented from 21 March 2011?

a.    Department of Telecommunication (DoT)

b.    Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)

c.    Indian Ministry of communication & Technology

d.    HRD Ministry

Answer: (b)

40.    The Indian government in March 2011 conferred the Miniratna status on which of the following PSUs?

a.    National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC)

b.    Air India Charters Ltd

c.    Cement Corporation of India

d.    HMT Machine Tools Ltd

Answer: (a)

41.    Gilead Sciences, a California based bio-pharmaceutical research firm, and its patent partner, Roche Holding AG, have sued which of the following Indian generic drug makers in March 2011 for allegedly infringing a US patent for Tamiflu, a drug used in treatment of bird and swine-flu infections?

a.    Dr Reddy’s

b.    Natco Pharma

c.    Ranbaxy Laboratories

d.    GlaxoSmithKline

Answer: (b)

42.    AT&T on Sunday announced that it had agreed to buy T-Mobile USA from which of the following telecom companies for $39 billion?

a.    Deutsche Telekom

b.    Sprint Nextel

c.    Verizon Wireless

d.    Comcast

Answer: (a)

43.    A consortium comprising two companies acquired the IPL’s global Internet, mobile and audio rights, along with television rights in specific territories outside India, for the next four years. The consortium bagged the rights with a winning bid of Rs 261.6 crore in Chennai on 20 March 2011. Which are the two companies included in the consortium?

a.    TIL & Nimbus Communication

b.    Reliance Big Pictures & Zoom

c.    TIL & Colors

d.    Zoom and UTV Motion Pictures

Answer: (a)

44.    HCL Technologies on Thursday announced the expansion of its Smart Grid partner ecosystem by entering into strategic alliances with two data management software firms focused on the smart grid market. Which are the two firms with which HCL has entered into an alliance?

1.    Infosys

2.    eMeter

3.    Cape Gemini

4.    Tridium

a.    1 & 2

b.    2 & 3

c.    2 & 4

d.    1 & 4

Answer: (c)

45.    In India’s first sale of rupee perpetual bonds by a non-finance company Rs 1500 crore ($332 million) was raised. Name the non-finance company.

a.    Tata Steel

b.    Pantallons Retail

c.    RIL

d.    Maruti Suzuki

Answer: (a)

46.    Online marketplace eBay India, in association with leading apparel brand Reebok auctioned a bat autographed by Indian cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni. The proceeds of the auction will go to which of the following NGOs?

a.    Oxfem

b.    CRY

c.    All Bengal Women’s Union

d.    UNEM

Answer: (b)

47.    Who did HDFC Bank, the country's second-largest private sector lender appoint  in March 2011 to head its investment banking division?

a.    Rakesh Singh

b.    Charul Madan

c.    Gaurav Khungar

d.    Atul Singh

Answer: (a)

48.    Read the following statements with regard to a veteran Bollywood actor.

1.    The actor was first introduced in Bollywood movies by actor-filmmaker Sanjay Khan in the film Abdullah.

2.    He essayed the role of villain in more than 200 films.

3.    He was seen in movies like Kaalia, Mard, Nastik, Qurbani, Mr India etc

4.    The actor's biography, Flashback: My Times in Bollywood and Beyond, was to be released by Akshay Kumar in June 2011.

5.    He died at the Jayadeva Institute of Cardiology in Bangalore on 20 March 2011.

Identify the actor being referred to.

a.    Bob Christo

b.    Amjad Khan

c.    Sadashiv Amrapurkar

d.    Milind Gunaji

Answer: (a)

49.    Former Israeli president Moshe Katsav was on 22 March 2011 sentenced to seven years in jail after being convicted for rape. To which of the following parties does he belong to?

a.    Kadima

b.    Likud

c.    United Torah Judaism

d.    Labor Party

Answer: (b)

50.    The prime minister has constituted a committee to suggest rules and regulations for government procurement based on global best practices though India is a not a member of the GPA. What is the full form of GPA?

a.    Government’s People Act

b.    Government Procurement Act

c.    Governmental Public Association

d.    Government for Procurement Agency

Answer: (b)

51.    A weeklong exhibition of handloom and handicrafts, Bihar Utsav-2011 was organised by the Bihar Government in March 2011 to commemorate Bihar’s Foundation Day. When was the modern State of Bihar carved out of Bengal Presidency?

a.    22 March 1912

b.    2 March 1913

c.    31 March 1913

d.    7 March 1912

Answer: (a)

52.    A short film, Eclipse In Taregna which is about 2009 solar eclipse in Targena, a small hamlet in Bihar won the Founder’s Choice Award at which of the following international film festivals in March 2011?

a.    India International Film Festival

b.    Tampa Bay

c.    Queens World Film Festival

d.    New York Indian Film Festival

Answer: (c)

53.    Which one of the following social activist declared in March 2011 that he would sit on a fast on 5 April 2011 in Delhi in support of the introduction of Lokpal Bill to check corruption?

a.    Anna Hazare

b.    Medha Patkar

c.    Aruna Roy

d.    Bhaurao Patil

Answer: (a)

54. British Scientists discovered a cholesterol regulating protein which plays an important role in the formation of thrombosis a kind of blood clot that can result into heart attacks and strokes. What is the name of that protein?

a) LXR

b) LRX

c) XRL

d) LLL

Answer: (a) LXR

55. A report by the Climate Group, named India’s Clean Revolution, published on 18 March 2011 revealed that the market for low carbon goods and services in India could reach 135 billion US dollars by the year___.

a) 2020

b) 2015

c) 2017

d) 2018

Answer: (a) 2020

56. A New Technology Called High Tibial Osteotomy was developed in India to cure which one of the followings?

a) Cancer

b) TB

c) Knee Problems

d) Skin Cancer

Answer: (c) Knee Problems

57. Scientists from which one of the following countries created a herd of more than 200 cows that is capable of producing milk similar to that of humans?

a) China

b) India

c) USA

d) UK

Answer: (a) China

58. A study of the conservation needs of the Kimberley region showed that dozens of mammals, lizards, birds and other vertebrates are endangered because of hunting by feral cats and destruction of their habitat by wild donkeys and fires. In which one of the following countries Kimberley region is located?

a) USA

b) Australia

c) France

d)Canada

Answer: (b) Australia

59.    Chennai-based two-wheeler maker TVS Motor Company launched its premium Apache RTR 180 bike on 11 March 2011. Which unique technology does the bike boast of?

a.    Special cooling technology

b.    anti-lock braking system technology

c.    petrol control technology

d.    shock absorb technology

Answer: (b)

60.    TPG and the Shriram Group will take over which one of the following retail chains through a joint venture subsidiary of the two companies- TPG Wholesale Private Limited?

a.    Vishal Retail

b.    Arvind Brands

c.    Classic Fashions

d.    Heritage Foods (India) Ltd

Answer: (a)

61.    Nippon Life in March 2011 agreed to pick up what percentage of shares in Reliance Life Insurance for Rs 3602 crore marking the single largest foreign direct investment in the insurance sector and the first M&A transaction after IRDA capped life insurance charges in October 2010?

a.    22.3%

b.    24%

c.    25.6%

d.    26%

Answer: (d)

62.    India's largest carmaker, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd rolled out its 10 millionth car on 15 March 2011. Which car was Maruti Suzuki’s 10 millionth car?

a.    blue Wagon-R

b.    red Maruti Omni

c.    red Swift Dezire

d.    black Ritz

Answer: (a)

63.    IT hardware firm HCL Infosystems announced on 17 March 2011 that it bagged an order worth Rs 300 crore from which of the following to deploy Wideband CDMA-based portable wireless network?

a.    Indian Navy

b.    Indian Air Force

c.    DRDO

d.    Indian Army

Answer: (b)

64.    Hindustan Unilever’s toothpaste brand Close Up tied up with which of the following gaming portals for the Close Up’s new variant Fire-Freeze?

a.    in5ane.com

b.    addictingames.com

c.    123kidzarea.com

d.    Zapak.com

Answer: (d)

65.    An Inter-Ministerial Group (IMG) to monitor the process of their release of 53 Indians on five hijacked ships being kept hostage in Somalia was decided to set up. Name the Cabinet Committee which in its meeting on 11 March 2011 decided to set up the IMG.

a.    Cabinet Committee on Foreign Relations

b.    Defence Committee of the Cabinet

c.    Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs

d.    Cabinet Committee on Security

Answer: (d)

66.    Which of the following missiles was not test-fired on 11 March 2011 by India’s Strategic Forces Command (SFC) establishing readiness of India’s nuclear deterrence systems?

1.    Dhanush

2.    Agni-IV

3.    Prithvi-II

4.    Ballistic Air Defence Missile System

a.    1 & 3

b.    2 & 4

c.    1 & 2

d.    3 & 4

Answer: (b)

67.    A devastating earthquake struck Japan on 11 March 2011 shaking buildings in a large swath of the country and giving rise to a 30 foot tsunami. What was the magnitude of the earthquake that hit Japan?

a.    8

b.    8.3

c.    8.9

d.    9.1

Answer: (c)

68.    Japan declared states of emergency for five nuclear reactors at two power plants after the units lost cooling ability in the aftermath of the powerful earthquake that struck on 11 March 2011. Which are the two nuclear plants where Japan declared a state of emergency following the earthquake?

1.    Fukushima Daini site

2.    Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant

3.    Kushima Nuclear Power Plant

4.    Ashihama Nuclear Power Plant

a.    1 & 3

b.    2 & 4

c.    1 & 2

d.    2 & 3

Answer: (c)

69.    Which Indian river-island was nominated by the Indian government to be included in the cultural landscape category of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) World Heritage list?

a.    Majuli

b.    Dhakuwakhana

c.    Nimati Ghat

d.    North Lakhimpur

Answer: (a)

70.    Who among the following list of journalists was on 15 March 2011 conferred the Chameli Devi Jain award 2010 for an outstanding woman media person?

a.    Shahina K K

b.    Shireen Bhan

c.    Prabha Dutt

d.    Bachi Karkaria

Answer: (a)

71.    Bollywood's own Razzies, the annual Golden Kela Awards named which actor was selected as the worst actor for his role in a film released in 2010?

a.    Salman Khan for Veer

b.    Shah Rukh Khan for My Name is Khan

c.    Imran Khan for I Hate Love Stories

d.    Hrithik Roshan for Guzaarish

Answer: (b)

72.    Mauritius has conferred one of his highest honours, Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and the Key of the Indian Ocean, on which of the following presidents?

a.    Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed

b.    Indian President Pratibha Patil

c.    US President barack Obama

d.    French President Nicolas Sarkozy

Answer: (a)

73.    Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) released its latest report on trends in the international arms trade on 14 March 2011. According to the report which country has been the world's biggest weapons importer over the past five years?

a.    China

b.    India

c.    South Korea

d.    Pakistan

Answer: (b)

74.    Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) released its latest report on trends in the international arms trade on 14 March 2011. When did SIPRI come into being?

a.    1960

b.    1966

c.    1970

d.    1983

Answer: (b)

75.    Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on 11 March 2011 announced in Lok Sabha an increase in the allocation under the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLAD) Scheme from Rs.2 crore to Rs.5 crore per Member. When was the MPLAD scheme introduced?

a.    1990

b.    1991

c.    1992

d.    1993

Answer: (d)

76.    Union Minister of Finance Pranab Mukherjee declared in the Lok Sabha on 11 March 2011 the extension of the existing Interest Subvention Scheme of providing short term loans to farmers at 7% interest with additional interest subvention for timely repayment to which of the following group?

a.    Small scale entrepreneurs

b.    Cottage industries & handicraft professionals

c.    Fishermen

d.    Horticulturists

Answer: (c)

77.    Indian agriculture needs Rs 108000 crore to fight climate change in the next five years to ensure food for all at a reasonable price by 2020. National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture is implemented under which of the following?

a.    NABARD

b.    Bharat Nirman

c.    Prime Minister's National Action Plan on Climate Change

d.    Accelerated Fodder Development Programme

Answer: (c)

78. Read the following sentences with regard to NSIC.

1.    National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC) is a public sector undertaking under the ministry of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME).

2.    NSIC was awarded the Mini Ratna status by the Indian Governmnet on 3 March 2011.

3.    NSIC has a marked presence both in the service as well as the manufacturing sectors.

4.    NSIC acts as a facilitator to promote small industries through various user-friendly and demand-driven schemes

Which of the following sentence/sentences is/are not true with regards to NSIC?

a.    Only 3

b.    1 & 3

c.    Only 2

d.    2 & 4

Answer: (a)

79.  In February 2011 imports rose to $31.70 billion, up 21.2 per cent over the same period in 2010 while exports rose 49.8 per cent to $23.60 billion. What was the trade deficit in February 2011?

a.     (-)8.1 billion

b.    (-)8 billion

c.    (-)8.3 billion

d.    (-)8.8 billion

Answer: (a)

80. The Reserve of India on 17 March 2011 increased the interest rate at which it injects liquidity into the banking system by 25 basis points to 6.75 per cent (repo rate). It also revised its inflation projection for March-end 2011 from 7 % to _?

a.    7.3

b.    7.5

c.    7.5

d.    8

Answer: (d)

81. An international team of scientists, led by the Australian National University recently discovered evidence that the body’s immune cells often share information about foreign substances with each other to ward of invaders. The study can help increase the immunity level in human body against pathogens and cancer. Which of the followings are the symptoms of Cancer? 

i) Weight Loss

ii) Excessive Sweating

iii) Lumps and Swelling (tumour)

iv) Enlargement of Spleen

Please choose the correct option:

a)    i, ii, iii and iv

b)    i and ii only

c)    i, ii and iii

only i

Answer: (a) I, ii, iii and iv

82. According to an extensive genetic study on modern humans, two conclusions were drawn out.

i) There is an enormous amount of diversity in the African hunter-gatherer populations.

ii) The genetic diversity among 27 present-day African populations originated in southern Africa and progressed to northern Africa.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

a)    Both i and ii

b)    Neither I and ii

c)    Only i

d)    Only ii

Answer: (a) both i and ii

83. A massive Tsunami caused by a devastating earthquake of the 8.9 magnitude hit about 400 km north-east of Tokyo, capital of Japan. Consider the following statements regarding Tsunami.

i) A Tsunami is a series of ocean waves that sends surges of water, reaching heights of over 100 feet onto land.

ii) Most tsunamis, about 80 percent, happen within the Pacific Ocean’s Ring of Fire, a geologically active area where tectonic shifts make earthquakes and volcanoes common.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

a)    Both i and ii

b)    Only i

c)    Only ii

d)    Neither i  nor ii

Answer: (a) Both i and ii

84.  A massive Tsunami caused by a devastating earthquake of the 8.9 magnitude hit about 400 km north-east of Tokyo, capital of Japan. Where is the Pacific Tsunami Warning System headquartered?

a) Hawai

b) Tokyo

c) Manila

d) Jakarta

Answer: (a) Hawai

85. A massive Tsunami caused by a devastating earthquake of the 8.9 magnitude hit about 400 km north-east of Tokyo, capital of japan. What are the possible factors which can cause Tsunami?

i)An Earthquake

ii) A landslide

iii) A volcanic eruption or explosion

iv) Impact by a meteorite

Please choose the right option

a)    i, ii, iii and iv

b)    i and ii only

c)    ii and iii only

d)    i and iv only

Answer: (a) i, ii, iii and iv

86. As per the official data released by TRAI on 9 March 2011, which state in MNP Zone-2 recorded the maximum number of request for mobile number portability by end of February 2011?

a.    Tamil Nadu

b.    Karnataka

c.    West Bengal

d.    Assam

Answer: (b) Karnataka

87. The Enforcement Directorate has booked Pune-based real estate agent and stud farm owner Hasan Ali Khan under section 3 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. When did PMLA come into existence?

a.    2000

b.    2002

c.    2005

d.    1999

Answer: (c) 2005

88. The e-commerce portal of India Post, was launched by Union Minister Kapil Sibal on 9 March 2011 provide postal services online. Which among the following is the correct name of the portal?

a.    e-post office

b.    e-post service

c.    e-postal services

d.    India Post e-commerce

Answer: (a) e-post office

89. Steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal overtook Mukesh Ambani to become the wealthiest Indian as per the annual Forbes list of World Billionaires for 2011. What is Lakshmi Mittal’s ranking in the list?

a.    Fourth

b.    Sixth

c.    Ninth

d.    Eleventh

Answer: (b) Sixth

90. According to the Economic Survey of India 2010-11, Forex Reserves estimated at __ US dollars.

a) 297.3 billion US dollars

b) 245.6 billion US dollars

c) 285.4 billion US dollars

d) 113.2 billion US dollars

Answer: (a) 297.3 billion US dollars

91. Consider the following statements regarding the Economic Survey of India 2010-11.

i) Agriculture likely to grow at 5.4% in 2010-11

ii) Trade Gap narrowed to 82.01 billion US dollars in April-December 2010

iii) 59% rise in Bank Credit

Please choose the right option:

a)    All the three statements  i, ii and iii are correct ; b) only I and ii are correct

b)    All three statements are wrong ; d) only i) is correct

Answer: (a) All three Statements i, ii and iii are correct

92.  India’s External debt stood at 295.8 billion US dollars at the end of September 2010, recording an increase of 33.5 billion US dollars ove the level of end-March 2010. The rise in debt was largely due to

i) Higher Commercial borrowings; ii) Short-term trade credits

iii) Multilateral government borrowings

Please choose the right option:

a)    Only i  b) only i and ii

b)    Only i and iii ; d) All I,ii and iii

Answer: (d) All i, ii and iii

93. Consider the following statements:

1. India’s exports crossed the USD 200 billion mark in the first eleven months of the 2010-11 fiscal.

2. The trade gap for the first 11 months of the financial year 2010-11 stood at USD 97.1 billion.

3. African countries and Japan were the traditional markets for Indian exporters during the 2010-11.

4. The current forecast for the 2011-12 is USD 230-235 billion.

Which of the statement given above is not correct?

a.1

b. 2

c. 3

d.4

Answer: (c) 3

94. Foreign Minister of Brazil Antonio Patriota, reached India for a five day visit on 5 March 2011 for the Bilateral and the IBSA Ministerial meetings. What was the major agreement signed between Indian & Brazil during this period?

a.    Air Services Agreement

b.    Agreement on disarmament & non-proliferation

c.    Bilateral trade and investment agreement

d.    Climate change agreement

Answer: (a) Air Services Agreement

95. Which of the following days in March is observed as the International Children Broadcasting Day?

a.    6 March

b.    7 March

c.    9 March

d.    13 March

Answer: (a) 6 March

96. Singapore on 5 March 2011 appointed Brigadier General Ravinder Singh as its next army chief. Who was the first ever Sikh and non-Chinese to take up the post of army chief of Singapore in 1982?

a.    Colonel Mancharan Singh Gill

b.    Hari Singh Nalwa

c.    Harchand Singh

d.    Nirmal Chandra Suri

Answer: (a) Colonel Mancharan Singh Gill

97.  Which one of the following states recently announced 2-year child care leave for its women employees?

a) Bihar

b) Uttar Pradesh

c) Tamil Nadu

d) Uttarakhand

Answer: (d) Uttarakhand

98. The Foreign Ministers of the Least Developed Countries (LDC) and India attended the India-LCD Ministerial Conference on 18-19 February 2011. Where it was held?

a) New Delhi

b) Tripoli

c) Thimpu

d) Kathmandu

Answer: (a) New Delhi

99. What was the theme of International Women’s day in 2011?

a) Equal Access to Education, Training and Science and Technology: Pathway to Decent Work for Women.

b) Celebrating Women’s Power

c) Equality, Freedom and Unity

d) Equal Opportunities for All

Answer: (a) Equal Access to Education, Training and Science and Technology: Pathway to Decent Work for Women.

100. Illinois became __th State of the United States to abolish the death penalty when its Governor Pat Quinn announced the decision on 9 March 2011?

a) 15th

b) 14th

c) 16th

d) 17th

Answer: (b) 16thLATEST CURRENT AFFAIRS 100 MCQs

1.    Which one of the following companies became the first major online retailer to offer cloud-based media storage and streaming to unlimited web or Android devices with a free basic plan?

a.    Amazon

b.    Roamans

c.    LL BeAN

d.    vita Coast

Answer: (a)

2.    State-owned carrier Air India announced on 29 March 2011 that it completed the first milestone of its modernisation process with the migration of Air India and Indian Airlines to SITA's Horizon Passenger Service System (PSS). When did Air India sign contract with SITA for the same?

a.    January 2011

b.    March 2010

c.    October 2009

d.    April 2010

Answer: (d)

3.    NYSE listed US-based International Paper decided to buy up to 75% stake in which of the following for up to $423 million, in the first significant domestic acquisition by a foreign paper company?

a.    Abhinav Publications

b.    Vinod Paper House

c.    Ananda Paper House

d.    AP Paper Mills

Answer: (d)

4.    Sistema Shyam Teleservices issued over 54.73-crore equity shares to which of the following governments at 17.14 per cent stake against $600 million received in December 2010 on 30 March 2011?

a.    Italian government

b.    US government

c.    Russian government

d.    Philippines government

Answer: (c)

5. According to the tiger Census 2010, the number of tigers in India increased from 1411 to__.

a) 1706

b) 1672

c) 1511

d) 1611

Answer: (a) 1706

6. Which one of the following statements on tiger Census 2010 in India is NOT correct?

a) The number of tigers in India increased from 1411 in 2006 to 1706 in 2010.

b) The tiger census 2010 was unveiled by the Union Home Ministry.

c) The tiger occupancy areas decreased from 93600 sq. km to areas of 72800sq.km.

d) In the Sunderbans, the tiger Census took place for the first time.

Answer: (b) The tiger Census was unveiled by the Union ministry of Environment and Forests.

7.  In tiger census 2010,

i) Pugmarks were used as the only indicator of tiger numbers.

ii)An advanced Scientific process was adopted which included video trapping and use of satellite data.

Which of the above statements is/are incorrect?

Choose the right option:

a)    Only i is incorrect

b)    Only ii is incorrect

c)    Both i and ii are incorrect

d)    Both i and ii are not incorrect

Answer: ( a)  Only i is incorrect

8. In the Sunderbans, the tiger Census took place for the first time. In which one of the following states of India Sunderbans is located?

a) West Bengal

b) Orissa

C) Andhra Pradesh

d) Tamil Nadu

Answer: (a)  West Bengal, next to the Bay of Bengal

9. Scientists, at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute UK, for the first time identified genetic mutations that lead to the development of acute myeloid leukaemia. Acute myeloid leukaemia is a cancer of the__.

a) White Blood Cells (WBC)

b) Red blood Cells (RBC)

c) Liver Cells

d) Stem Cells

Answer: (a) White Blood Cells (WBC)

10. Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper resigned after a no-confidence vote was passed by 156-145 vote against him in the Canadian Parliament on 25 March 2011.  He belongs to which one of the following political parties?

a) Conservative Party

b) Liberal Party

c) Congress Party

d) Democratic Party

Answer: (a) Conservative Party

11. Which of the following statements regarding the outgoing Prime Minister Stephen Harper of Canada are/is correct?

i) He is the 22nd Prime Minister of Canada.

ii) He was sworn as Prime Minister of Canada on 6 February 2006.

Choose the right option:

a)    Both i and ii are correct.

b)    Both i and ii are incorrect.

c)    Only i is correct.

d)    Only ii is correct.

Answer: (a) Both i and ii are correct.

12.  Latikia, witnessed the mass unrest against the ruling President Bashar al-Assad on 25-26 March 2011. Where the place Latikia is located?

a) Syria

b) Egypt

c) Yemen

d) Pakistan

Answer: (a) Syria

13.  Latikia, witnessed the mass unrest against the ruling President Bashar al-Assad on 25-26 March 2011. Which of the following statements is/are incorrect?

i) Bashar al-Assad is the President of Egypt

ii) Latikia is in Syria

a)    Both the statements are incorrect

b)    Only i is incorrect

c)    Only ii is incorrect

d)    Both the statements are not incorrect

Answer: (b) only i is incorrect; Bashar al-Assad is the President of Syria

14. The Rajya Sabha, the upper House in Indian Parliament, on 24 March 2011 passed the bill___ changing the name of Orissa to Odisha.

a) Orissa (the Alteration of Name) Bill, 2010

b) Odisha(the Alteration of Name) Bill,2011

c) Orissa (the Alteration of Name) Bill, 2011

d) Odisha(the Alteration of Name) Bill, 2010

Answer:  (a) Orissa (the Alteration of Name) Bill, 2010

15.    Earth quake of 6.8 magnitude struck Myanmar’s borders with Thailand and Laos, about 70 miles (110 kilometers) from the northern Thai city of Chiang Rai on 24 March 2011. What was the magnitude of the quake?

a.    6

b.    6.3

c.    6.8

d.    7.6

Answer: (c)

16.    The Shunglu Committee set up to probe corruption in organising the Commonwealth Games (CWG) on 23 March 2011 submitted its second report to the Cabinet Secretary. Which private developer was indicted in the second report?

a.    Emaar MGF

b.    Royale Builders and Developers

c.    Green Field Real Estate

d.    DLF

Answer: (a)

17.    The World Meteorological Organization with its 189 Members and the worldwide meteorological community celebrate World Meteorological Day every year on 23 March. When was the WMO Convention convened for the first time with the purpose of setting up the World Meteorological Organization?

a.    1947

b.    149

c.    150

d.    1956

Answer: (d)

18.    To how many village panchayats was the Nirmal Gram Puraskar awarded by President Pratibha Patil on 23 March 2011?

a.    1543

b.    2808

c.    29

d.    166

Answer: (b)

19.    The Indian government on 24 March 2011 constituted 11member Financial Sector Legislative Reforms Commission (FSLRC) to examine the means of oversight on regulators and their autonomy from the government. Who will head the committee?

a.    Retired Supreme Court Justice BN Srikrishna

b.    former PFRDA Chairman D Swarup

c.    RBI Governor Dr. D. Subbarao

d.    PMEAC member M Govinda Rao

Answer: (a)

20.    On which of the following freedom fighters was a commemorative postage stamp released by the Indian President Pratibha Patil on 24 March 2011?

a.    Padmaja Naidu

b.    Padmaja Naidu

c.    Sucheta Kriplani

d.    Subhadra Joshi

Answer: (d)

21.    Which of the following radio stations was awarded the Most Successful Radio Channel of the Year at the FICCI Frames Excellence Awards 2011 was given out on 25 March 2011?

a.    Radio Mirchi (98.3)

b.    Big FM (92.7)

c.    Red FM (93.5)

d.    Radio One (95)

Answer: (a)

22.    Read the following statement with reference to renowned dancer Leela Samson.

1.    Leela Samson was appointed chairperson of the Central Board for Film Certification on 28 March 2011 by Information and Broadcasting Ministry.

2.    Leela Samson is a renowned Kathakali dancer of India.

3.    Leela Samson won the prestigious Bharat Ratna award in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the art of dance in 1990.

4.    Two documentary films were made on her work namely- Sanchari and The Flowering Tree.

Which of the above mentioned statements is/are false?

a.    2 & 4

b.    3 & 4

c.    2 & 3

d.    Only 4

Answer: (c)

23.    Nisha P. Rajagopal has been chosen as the first recipient of ‘The Hindu Saregama M.S. Subbulakshmi Award instituted on 16 September 2010. To which of the following type of music is she famous for?

a.    Carnatic

b.    Hindusthani classical

c.    Haryanavi Music

d.    Ganasangeet

Answer: (a)

24. A team of Scientists led by Takehiko at Yokohama City University grew sperms in a test-tube. Consider the following statements regarding the scientific breakthrough.

i)   Sperms were grown in a Test-tube for the first time.

ii)  The Scientific breakthrough could help millions of infertile men to attain parenthood.

Now choose the right option:

a)   Both i and ii statements are correct

b)   Only i is correct

c)   Only ii is correct

d)   Both I and ii statements are wrong

Answer: (a) Both i and ii statements are correct

25. The Union ministry of Environment and Forests, recently asked state governments to declare bamboo as a minor forest produce to address livelihood issues of forest dwellers and tribals.  Bamboo is a__.

a) Grass

b) Tree

c) Plant

d) Wood

Answer: (a) Grass

26. The Union Cabinet of India, on 22 March 2011, approved the amendments to the Indian Forest Act, 1927. The amendment to the Indian Forest Act raised the limit to which fines for relatively minor offences can be compounded from 50 rupees to _ rupees.

a) 9000 rupees

b) 10000 rupees

c) 11000 rupees

d) 12000 rupees

Answer: (b) 10000 rupees

27. Earthquake in Myanmar measured at magnitude 6.8 killed 73 people and injured 111 people on 25 March 2011. The strength of an earthquake can be measured by a device called ___.

a) Seismograph

b) Barometer

c) Algometer

d) Thermometer

Answer: (a) Seismograph

28.    Somdev Devvarman was defeated by which of the following ace tennis players at the quarter finals of the Indian Wells Masters in Californiain in two close sets 5-7 4-6 in March 2011?

a.    Cypriot Marcos

b.    Robin Soderling

c.    Rafael Nadal

d.    Andy Murray

Answer: (c)

29.    World No. 4 India’s Saina Nehwal won the Swiss Grand Prix 2011 by defeating Ji Hyun Sung of South Korea 21-13, 21-14. She had earlier defeated the South Korean badminton player in which of the following tournaments?

a.    Swiss Grand Prix 2011

b.    Indonesia Open Super Series in 2010

c.    All England Open Badminton Championships 2010

d.    Irish Open

Answer: (b)

30.    Who defeated Spanish ace tennis player and World No 1 Rafael Nadal 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 on 20 March 2011 to win the ATP Indian Wells title?

a.    Novak Djokovic

b.    Robin Sderling

c.    Andy Murray

d.    Andy Roddick

Answer: (a)

31.    Which of the following football clubs got back on track with a 2-0 win against Arsenal in the FA Cup quarterfinals at Old Trafford on 12 March 2011?

a.    Manchester United

b.    Chelsea

c.    Real Madrid

d.    Liverpool

Answer: (a)

32.    Which of the following teams did Pakistan defeat in the Quarter final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 to reach the semi finals?

a.    India

b.    New Zealand

c.    West Indies

d.    Australia

Answer: (c)

33.    According to the latest WTA list, Sania Mirza broke back into the top-100 in the singles list with a jump of eight places.   What is Sania Mirza’s current position in the singles list?

a.    95

b.    90

c.    99

d.    75

Answer: (c)  

34.    Which Indian cricketer was declared the man of the match in the ICC World Cup Quarter final match between India and Australia in Ahmadabad on 24 March 2011?

a.    M S Dhoni

b.    Suresh Raina

c.    Yuvraj Singh

d.    Yusuf Pathan

Answer: (c)

35.    Based on the recommendations of FIPB the Indian Government on 23 March 2011 approved 14 Foreign Direct Investment proposals and 27 proposals. What is the total worth of the FDI proposals accepted by the government?

a.    Rs 1289 crore

b.    Rs 1500 crore

c.    Rs 1342 crore

d.    Rs 1100 crore

Answer: (a)

36.    The finance ministry has opposed the Reserve Bank of India’s suggestion to restrict foreign direct investment in new banks. RBI had restricted foreign direct investment in new banks to what percentage?

a.    43%

b.    43.22%

c.    45.7%

d.    49%

Answer: (d)

37.    Consider the following statements-

1.    CAG in March 2011 sent a questionnaire consisting 40 questions to the telecom ministry on 2G spectrum allocation scam and other developments in the sector.

2.    The department of telecom (DoT) was asked as to why the spectrum (radio waves) allocation was not delinked from the licence as it was known that spectrum was scarce vis-a-vis the demand.

3.    The Parliamentary panel wanted to know whether DoT consulted telecom regulator TRAI regarding the “No Cap” recommendation on number of operators in a circle.

4.    The loss incurred by the exchequer as a result of the 2G scam is estimated to be Rs 185379 crore

Which of the above mentioned statements related to the 2G scam is true?

a.    All of the above statements

b.    1 & 4

c.    2 & 3

d.    2 & 4

Answer: (c)

38.    Which of the following bodies ordered restriction on transmitting unauthenticated news by brokers and wealth managers on blogs and mobile phones in an effort to prevent stock manipulation through rumours?

a.    RBI

b.    IRDA

c.    FIPB

d.    SEBI

Answer: (d)

39.    Which of the following bodies put off indefinitely the new rules governing unwanted telemarketing calls which were supposed to be implemented from 21 March 2011?

a.    Department of Telecommunication (DoT)

b.    Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)

c.    Indian Ministry of communication & Technology

d.    HRD Ministry

Answer: (b)

40.    The Indian government in March 2011 conferred the Miniratna status on which of the following PSUs?

a.    National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC)

b.    Air India Charters Ltd

c.    Cement Corporation of India

d.    HMT Machine Tools Ltd

Answer: (a)

41.    Gilead Sciences, a California based bio-pharmaceutical research firm, and its patent partner, Roche Holding AG, have sued which of the following Indian generic drug makers in March 2011 for allegedly infringing a US patent for Tamiflu, a drug used in treatment of bird and swine-flu infections?

a.    Dr Reddy’s

b.    Natco Pharma

c.    Ranbaxy Laboratories

d.    GlaxoSmithKline

Answer: (b)

42.    AT&T on Sunday announced that it had agreed to buy T-Mobile USA from which of the following telecom companies for $39 billion?

a.    Deutsche Telekom

b.    Sprint Nextel

c.    Verizon Wireless

d.    Comcast

Answer: (a)

43.    A consortium comprising two companies acquired the IPL’s global Internet, mobile and audio rights, along with television rights in specific territories outside India, for the next four years. The consortium bagged the rights with a winning bid of Rs 261.6 crore in Chennai on 20 March 2011. Which are the two companies included in the consortium?

a.    TIL & Nimbus Communication

b.    Reliance Big Pictures & Zoom

c.    TIL & Colors

d.    Zoom and UTV Motion Pictures

Answer: (a)

44.    HCL Technologies on Thursday announced the expansion of its Smart Grid partner ecosystem by entering into strategic alliances with two data management software firms focused on the smart grid market. Which are the two firms with which HCL has entered into an alliance?

1.    Infosys

2.    eMeter

3.    Cape Gemini

4.    Tridium

a.    1 & 2

b.    2 & 3

c.    2 & 4

d.    1 & 4

Answer: (c)

45.    In India’s first sale of rupee perpetual bonds by a non-finance company Rs 1500 crore ($332 million) was raised. Name the non-finance company.

a.    Tata Steel

b.    Pantallons Retail

c.    RIL

d.    Maruti Suzuki

Answer: (a)

46.    Online marketplace eBay India, in association with leading apparel brand Reebok auctioned a bat autographed by Indian cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni. The proceeds of the auction will go to which of the following NGOs?

a.    Oxfem

b.    CRY

c.    All Bengal Women’s Union

d.    UNEM

Answer: (b)

47.    Who did HDFC Bank, the country's second-largest private sector lender appoint  in March 2011 to head its investment banking division?

a.    Rakesh Singh

b.    Charul Madan

c.    Gaurav Khungar

d.    Atul Singh

Answer: (a)

48.    Read the following statements with regard to a veteran Bollywood actor.

1.    The actor was first introduced in Bollywood movies by actor-filmmaker Sanjay Khan in the film Abdullah.

2.    He essayed the role of villain in more than 200 films.

3.    He was seen in movies like Kaalia, Mard, Nastik, Qurbani, Mr India etc

4.    The actor's biography, Flashback: My Times in Bollywood and Beyond, was to be released by Akshay Kumar in June 2011.

5.    He died at the Jayadeva Institute of Cardiology in Bangalore on 20 March 2011.

Identify the actor being referred to.

a.    Bob Christo

b.    Amjad Khan

c.    Sadashiv Amrapurkar

d.    Milind Gunaji

Answer: (a)

49.    Former Israeli president Moshe Katsav was on 22 March 2011 sentenced to seven years in jail after being convicted for rape. To which of the following parties does he belong to?

a.    Kadima

b.    Likud

c.    United Torah Judaism

d.    Labor Party

Answer: (b)

50.    The prime minister has constituted a committee to suggest rules and regulations for government procurement based on global best practices though India is a not a member of the GPA. What is the full form of GPA?

a.    Government’s People Act

b.    Government Procurement Act

c.    Governmental Public Association

d.    Government for Procurement Agency

Answer: (b)

51.    A weeklong exhibition of handloom and handicrafts, Bihar Utsav-2011 was organised by the Bihar Government in March 2011 to commemorate Bihar’s Foundation Day. When was the modern State of Bihar carved out of Bengal Presidency?

a.    22 March 1912

b.    2 March 1913

c.    31 March 1913

d.    7 March 1912

Answer: (a)

52.    A short film, Eclipse In Taregna which is about 2009 solar eclipse in Targena, a small hamlet in Bihar won the Founder’s Choice Award at which of the following international film festivals in March 2011?

a.    India International Film Festival

b.    Tampa Bay

c.    Queens World Film Festival

d.    New York Indian Film Festival

Answer: (c)

53.    Which one of the following social activist declared in March 2011 that he would sit on a fast on 5 April 2011 in Delhi in support of the introduction of Lokpal Bill to check corruption?

a.    Anna Hazare

b.    Medha Patkar

c.    Aruna Roy

d.    Bhaurao Patil

Answer: (a)

54. British Scientists discovered a cholesterol regulating protein which plays an important role in the formation of thrombosis a kind of blood clot that can result into heart attacks and strokes. What is the name of that protein?

a) LXR

b) LRX

c) XRL

d) LLL

Answer: (a) LXR

55. A report by the Climate Group, named India’s Clean Revolution, published on 18 March 2011 revealed that the market for low carbon goods and services in India could reach 135 billion US dollars by the year___.

a) 2020

b) 2015

c) 2017

d) 2018

Answer: (a) 2020

56. A New Technology Called High Tibial Osteotomy was developed in India to cure which one of the followings?

a) Cancer

b) TB

c) Knee Problems

d) Skin Cancer

Answer: (c) Knee Problems

57. Scientists from which one of the following countries created a herd of more than 200 cows that is capable of producing milk similar to that of humans?

a) China

b) India

c) USA

d) UK

Answer: (a) China

58. A study of the conservation needs of the Kimberley region showed that dozens of mammals, lizards, birds and other vertebrates are endangered because of hunting by feral cats and destruction of their habitat by wild donkeys and fires. In which one of the following countries Kimberley region is located?

a) USA

b) Australia

c) France

d)Canada

Answer: (b) Australia

59.    Chennai-based two-wheeler maker TVS Motor Company launched its premium Apache RTR 180 bike on 11 March 2011. Which unique technology does the bike boast of?

a.    Special cooling technology

b.    anti-lock braking system technology

c.    petrol control technology

d.    shock absorb technology

Answer: (b)

60.    TPG and the Shriram Group will take over which one of the following retail chains through a joint venture subsidiary of the two companies- TPG Wholesale Private Limited?

a.    Vishal Retail

b.    Arvind Brands

c.    Classic Fashions

d.    Heritage Foods (India) Ltd

Answer: (a)

61.    Nippon Life in March 2011 agreed to pick up what percentage of shares in Reliance Life Insurance for Rs 3602 crore marking the single largest foreign direct investment in the insurance sector and the first M&A transaction after IRDA capped life insurance charges in October 2010?

a.    22.3%

b.    24%

c.    25.6%

d.    26%

Answer: (d)

62.    India's largest carmaker, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd rolled out its 10 millionth car on 15 March 2011. Which car was Maruti Suzuki’s 10 millionth car?

a.    blue Wagon-R

b.    red Maruti Omni

c.    red Swift Dezire

d.    black Ritz

Answer: (a)

63.    IT hardware firm HCL Infosystems announced on 17 March 2011 that it bagged an order worth Rs 300 crore from which of the following to deploy Wideband CDMA-based portable wireless network?

a.    Indian Navy

b.    Indian Air Force

c.    DRDO

d.    Indian Army

Answer: (b)

64.    Hindustan Unilever’s toothpaste brand Close Up tied up with which of the following gaming portals for the Close Up’s new variant Fire-Freeze?

a.    in5ane.com

b.    addictingames.com

c.    123kidzarea.com

d.    Zapak.com

Answer: (d)

65.    An Inter-Ministerial Group (IMG) to monitor the process of their release of 53 Indians on five hijacked ships being kept hostage in Somalia was decided to set up. Name the Cabinet Committee which in its meeting on 11 March 2011 decided to set up the IMG.

a.    Cabinet Committee on Foreign Relations

b.    Defence Committee of the Cabinet

c.    Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs

d.    Cabinet Committee on Security

Answer: (d)

66.    Which of the following missiles was not test-fired on 11 March 2011 by India’s Strategic Forces Command (SFC) establishing readiness of India’s nuclear deterrence systems?

1.    Dhanush

2.    Agni-IV

3.    Prithvi-II

4.    Ballistic Air Defence Missile System

a.    1 & 3

b.    2 & 4

c.    1 & 2

d.    3 & 4

Answer: (b)

67.    A devastating earthquake struck Japan on 11 March 2011 shaking buildings in a large swath of the country and giving rise to a 30 foot tsunami. What was the magnitude of the earthquake that hit Japan?

a.    8

b.    8.3

c.    8.9

d.    9.1

Answer: (c)

68.    Japan declared states of emergency for five nuclear reactors at two power plants after the units lost cooling ability in the aftermath of the powerful earthquake that struck on 11 March 2011. Which are the two nuclear plants where Japan declared a state of emergency following the earthquake?

1.    Fukushima Daini site

2.    Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant

3.    Kushima Nuclear Power Plant

4.    Ashihama Nuclear Power Plant

a.    1 & 3

b.    2 & 4

c.    1 & 2

d.    2 & 3

Answer: (c)

69.    Which Indian river-island was nominated by the Indian government to be included in the cultural landscape category of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) World Heritage list?

a.    Majuli

b.    Dhakuwakhana

c.    Nimati Ghat

d.    North Lakhimpur

Answer: (a)

70.    Who among the following list of journalists was on 15 March 2011 conferred the Chameli Devi Jain award 2010 for an outstanding woman media person?

a.    Shahina K K

b.    Shireen Bhan

c.    Prabha Dutt

d.    Bachi Karkaria

Answer: (a)

71.    Bollywood's own Razzies, the annual Golden Kela Awards named which actor was selected as the worst actor for his role in a film released in 2010?

a.    Salman Khan for Veer

b.    Shah Rukh Khan for My Name is Khan

c.    Imran Khan for I Hate Love Stories

d.    Hrithik Roshan for Guzaarish

Answer: (b)

72.    Mauritius has conferred one of his highest honours, Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and the Key of the Indian Ocean, on which of the following presidents?

a.    Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed

b.    Indian President Pratibha Patil

c.    US President barack Obama

d.    French President Nicolas Sarkozy

Answer: (a)

73.    Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) released its latest report on trends in the international arms trade on 14 March 2011. According to the report which country has been the world's biggest weapons importer over the past five years?

a.    China

b.    India

c.    South Korea

d.    Pakistan

Answer: (b)

74.    Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) released its latest report on trends in the international arms trade on 14 March 2011. When did SIPRI come into being?

a.    1960

b.    1966

c.    1970

d.    1983

Answer: (b)

75.    Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on 11 March 2011 announced in Lok Sabha an increase in the allocation under the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLAD) Scheme from Rs.2 crore to Rs.5 crore per Member. When was the MPLAD scheme introduced?

a.    1990

b.    1991

c.    1992

d.    1993

Answer: (d)

76.    Union Minister of Finance Pranab Mukherjee declared in the Lok Sabha on 11 March 2011 the extension of the existing Interest Subvention Scheme of providing short term loans to farmers at 7% interest with additional interest subvention for timely repayment to which of the following group?

a.    Small scale entrepreneurs

b.    Cottage industries & handicraft professionals

c.    Fishermen

d.    Horticulturists

Answer: (c)

77.    Indian agriculture needs Rs 108000 crore to fight climate change in the next five years to ensure food for all at a reasonable price by 2020. National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture is implemented under which of the following?

a.    NABARD

b.    Bharat Nirman

c.    Prime Minister's National Action Plan on Climate Change

d.    Accelerated Fodder Development Programme

Answer: (c)

78. Read the following sentences with regard to NSIC.

1.    National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC) is a public sector undertaking under the ministry of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME).

2.    NSIC was awarded the Mini Ratna status by the Indian Governmnet on 3 March 2011.

3.    NSIC has a marked presence both in the service as well as the manufacturing sectors.

4.    NSIC acts as a facilitator to promote small industries through various user-friendly and demand-driven schemes

Which of the following sentence/sentences is/are not true with regards to NSIC?

a.    Only 3

b.    1 & 3

c.    Only 2

d.    2 & 4

Answer: (a)

79.  In February 2011 imports rose to $31.70 billion, up 21.2 per cent over the same period in 2010 while exports rose 49.8 per cent to $23.60 billion. What was the trade deficit in February 2011?

a.     (-)8.1 billion

b.    (-)8 billion

c.    (-)8.3 billion

d.    (-)8.8 billion

Answer: (a)

80. The Reserve of India on 17 March 2011 increased the interest rate at which it injects liquidity into the banking system by 25 basis points to 6.75 per cent (repo rate). It also revised its inflation projection for March-end 2011 from 7 % to _?

a.    7.3

b.    7.5

c.    7.5

d.    8

Answer: (d)

81. An international team of scientists, led by the Australian National University recently discovered evidence that the body’s immune cells often share information about foreign substances with each other to ward of invaders. The study can help increase the immunity level in human body against pathogens and cancer. Which of the followings are the symptoms of Cancer? 

i) Weight Loss

ii) Excessive Sweating

iii) Lumps and Swelling (tumour)

iv) Enlargement of Spleen

Please choose the correct option:

a)    i, ii, iii and iv

b)    i and ii only

c)    i, ii and iii

only i

Answer: (a) I, ii, iii and iv

82. According to an extensive genetic study on modern humans, two conclusions were drawn out.

i) There is an enormous amount of diversity in the African hunter-gatherer populations.

ii) The genetic diversity among 27 present-day African populations originated in southern Africa and progressed to northern Africa.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

a)    Both i and ii

b)    Neither I and ii

c)    Only i

d)    Only ii

Answer: (a) both i and ii

83. A massive Tsunami caused by a devastating earthquake of the 8.9 magnitude hit about 400 km north-east of Tokyo, capital of Japan. Consider the following statements regarding Tsunami.

i) A Tsunami is a series of ocean waves that sends surges of water, reaching heights of over 100 feet onto land.

ii) Most tsunamis, about 80 percent, happen within the Pacific Ocean’s Ring of Fire, a geologically active area where tectonic shifts make earthquakes and volcanoes common.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

a)    Both i and ii

b)    Only i

c)    Only ii

d)    Neither i  nor ii

Answer: (a) Both i and ii

84.  A massive Tsunami caused by a devastating earthquake of the 8.9 magnitude hit about 400 km north-east of Tokyo, capital of Japan. Where is the Pacific Tsunami Warning System headquartered?

a) Hawai

b) Tokyo

c) Manila

d) Jakarta

Answer: (a) Hawai

85. A massive Tsunami caused by a devastating earthquake of the 8.9 magnitude hit about 400 km north-east of Tokyo, capital of japan. What are the possible factors which can cause Tsunami?

i)An Earthquake

ii) A landslide

iii) A volcanic eruption or explosion

iv) Impact by a meteorite

Please choose the right option

a)    i, ii, iii and iv

b)    i and ii only

c)    ii and iii only

d)    i and iv only

Answer: (a) i, ii, iii and iv

86. As per the official data released by TRAI on 9 March 2011, which state in MNP Zone-2 recorded the maximum number of request for mobile number portability by end of February 2011?

a.    Tamil Nadu

b.    Karnataka

c.    West Bengal

d.    Assam

Answer: (b) Karnataka

87. The Enforcement Directorate has booked Pune-based real estate agent and stud farm owner Hasan Ali Khan under section 3 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. When did PMLA come into existence?

a.    2000

b.    2002

c.    2005

d.    1999

Answer: (c) 2005

88. The e-commerce portal of India Post, was launched by Union Minister Kapil Sibal on 9 March 2011 provide postal services online. Which among the following is the correct name of the portal?

a.    e-post office

b.    e-post service

c.    e-postal services

d.    India Post e-commerce

Answer: (a) e-post office

89. Steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal overtook Mukesh Ambani to become the wealthiest Indian as per the annual Forbes list of World Billionaires for 2011. What is Lakshmi Mittal’s ranking in the list?

a.    Fourth

b.    Sixth

c.    Ninth

d.    Eleventh

Answer: (b) Sixth

90. According to the Economic Survey of India 2010-11, Forex Reserves estimated at __ US dollars.

a) 297.3 billion US dollars

b) 245.6 billion US dollars

c) 285.4 billion US dollars

d) 113.2 billion US dollars

Answer: (a) 297.3 billion US dollars

91. Consider the following statements regarding the Economic Survey of India 2010-11.

i) Agriculture likely to grow at 5.4% in 2010-11

ii) Trade Gap narrowed to 82.01 billion US dollars in April-December 2010

iii) 59% rise in Bank Credit

Please choose the right option:

a)    All the three statements  i, ii and iii are correct ; b) only I and ii are correct

b)    All three statements are wrong ; d) only i) is correct

Answer: (a) All three Statements i, ii and iii are correct

92.  India’s External debt stood at 295.8 billion US dollars at the end of September 2010, recording an increase of 33.5 billion US dollars ove the level of end-March 2010. The rise in debt was largely due to

i) Higher Commercial borrowings; ii) Short-term trade credits

iii) Multilateral government borrowings

Please choose the right option:

a)    Only i  b) only i and ii

b)    Only i and iii ; d) All I,ii and iii

Answer: (d) All i, ii and iii

93. Consider the following statements:

1. India’s exports crossed the USD 200 billion mark in the first eleven months of the 2010-11 fiscal.

2. The trade gap for the first 11 months of the financial year 2010-11 stood at USD 97.1 billion.

3. African countries and Japan were the traditional markets for Indian exporters during the 2010-11.

4. The current forecast for the 2011-12 is USD 230-235 billion.

Which of the statement given above is not correct?

a.1

b. 2

c. 3

d.4

Answer: (c) 3

94. Foreign Minister of Brazil Antonio Patriota, reached India for a five day visit on 5 March 2011 for the Bilateral and the IBSA Ministerial meetings. What was the major agreement signed between Indian & Brazil during this period?

a.    Air Services Agreement

b.    Agreement on disarmament & non-proliferation

c.    Bilateral trade and investment agreement

d.    Climate change agreement

Answer: (a) Air Services Agreement

95. Which of the following days in March is observed as the International Children Broadcasting Day?

a.    6 March

b.    7 March

c.    9 March

d.    13 March

Answer: (a) 6 March

96. Singapore on 5 March 2011 appointed Brigadier General Ravinder Singh as its next army chief. Who was the first ever Sikh and non-Chinese to take up the post of army chief of Singapore in 1982?

a.    Colonel Mancharan Singh Gill

b.    Hari Singh Nalwa

c.    Harchand Singh

d.    Nirmal Chandra Suri

Answer: (a) Colonel Mancharan Singh Gill

97.  Which one of the following states recently announced 2-year child care leave for its women employees?

a) Bihar

b) Uttar Pradesh

c) Tamil Nadu

d) Uttarakhand

Answer: (d) Uttarakhand

98. The Foreign Ministers of the Least Developed Countries (LDC) and India attended the India-LCD Ministerial Conference on 18-19 February 2011. Where it was held?

a) New Delhi

b) Tripoli

c) Thimpu

d) Kathmandu

Answer: (a) New Delhi

99. What was the theme of International Women’s day in 2011?

a) Equal Access to Education, Training and Science and Technology: Pathway to Decent Work for Women.

b) Celebrating Women’s Power

c) Equality, Freedom and Unity

d) Equal Opportunities for All

Answer: (a) Equal Access to Education, Training and Science and Technology: Pathway to Decent Work for Women.

100. Illinois became __th State of the United States to abolish the death penalty when its Governor Pat Quinn announced the decision on 9 March 2011?

a) 15th

b) 14th

c) 16th

d) 17th

Answer: (b) 16thLATEST CURRENT AFFAIRS 100 MCQs

1.    Which one of the following companies became the first major online retailer to offer cloud-based media storage and streaming to unlimited web or Android devices with a free basic plan?

a.    Amazon

b.    Roamans

c.    LL BeAN

d.    vita Coast

Answer: (a)

2.    State-owned carrier Air India announced on 29 March 2011 that it completed the first milestone of its modernisation process with the migration of Air India and Indian Airlines to SITA's Horizon Passenger Service System (PSS). When did Air India sign contract with SITA for the same?

a.    January 2011

b.    March 2010

c.    October 2009

d.    April 2010

Answer: (d)

3.    NYSE listed US-based International Paper decided to buy up to 75% stake in which of the following for up to $423 million, in the first significant domestic acquisition by a foreign paper company?

a.    Abhinav Publications

b.    Vinod Paper House

c.    Ananda Paper House

d.    AP Paper Mills

Answer: (d)

4.    Sistema Shyam Teleservices issued over 54.73-crore equity shares to which of the following governments at 17.14 per cent stake against $600 million received in December 2010 on 30 March 2011?

a.    Italian government

b.    US government

c.    Russian government

d.    Philippines government

Answer: (c)

5. According to the tiger Census 2010, the number of tigers in India increased from 1411 to__.

a) 1706

b) 1672

c) 1511

d) 1611

Answer: (a) 1706

6. Which one of the following statements on tiger Census 2010 in India is NOT correct?

a) The number of tigers in India increased from 1411 in 2006 to 1706 in 2010.

b) The tiger census 2010 was unveiled by the Union Home Ministry.

c) The tiger occupancy areas decreased from 93600 sq. km to areas of 72800sq.km.

d) In the Sunderbans, the tiger Census took place for the first time.

Answer: (b) The tiger Census was unveiled by the Union ministry of Environment and Forests.

7.  In tiger census 2010,

i) Pugmarks were used as the only indicator of tiger numbers.

ii)An advanced Scientific process was adopted which included video trapping and use of satellite data.

Which of the above statements is/are incorrect?

Choose the right option:

a)    Only i is incorrect

b)    Only ii is incorrect

c)    Both i and ii are incorrect

d)    Both i and ii are not incorrect

Answer: ( a)  Only i is incorrect

8. In the Sunderbans, the tiger Census took place for the first time. In which one of the following states of India Sunderbans is located?

a) West Bengal

b) Orissa

C) Andhra Pradesh

d) Tamil Nadu

Answer: (a)  West Bengal, next to the Bay of Bengal

9. Scientists, at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute UK, for the first time identified genetic mutations that lead to the development of acute myeloid leukaemia. Acute myeloid leukaemia is a cancer of the__.

a) White Blood Cells (WBC)

b) Red blood Cells (RBC)

c) Liver Cells

d) Stem Cells

Answer: (a) White Blood Cells (WBC)

10. Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper resigned after a no-confidence vote was passed by 156-145 vote against him in the Canadian Parliament on 25 March 2011.  He belongs to which one of the following political parties?

a) Conservative Party

b) Liberal Party

c) Congress Party

d) Democratic Party

Answer: (a) Conservative Party

11. Which of the following statements regarding the outgoing Prime Minister Stephen Harper of Canada are/is correct?

i) He is the 22nd Prime Minister of Canada.

ii) He was sworn as Prime Minister of Canada on 6 February 2006.

Choose the right option:

a)    Both i and ii are correct.

b)    Both i and ii are incorrect.

c)    Only i is correct.

d)    Only ii is correct.

Answer: (a) Both i and ii are correct.

12.  Latikia, witnessed the mass unrest against the ruling President Bashar al-Assad on 25-26 March 2011. Where the place Latikia is located?

a) Syria

b) Egypt

c) Yemen

d) Pakistan

Answer: (a) Syria

13.  Latikia, witnessed the mass unrest against the ruling President Bashar al-Assad on 25-26 March 2011. Which of the following statements is/are incorrect?

i) Bashar al-Assad is the President of Egypt

ii) Latikia is in Syria

a)    Both the statements are incorrect

b)    Only i is incorrect

c)    Only ii is incorrect

d)    Both the statements are not incorrect

Answer: (b) only i is incorrect; Bashar al-Assad is the President of Syria

14. The Rajya Sabha, the upper House in Indian Parliament, on 24 March 2011 passed the bill___ changing the name of Orissa to Odisha.

a) Orissa (the Alteration of Name) Bill, 2010

b) Odisha(the Alteration of Name) Bill,2011

c) Orissa (the Alteration of Name) Bill, 2011

d) Odisha(the Alteration of Name) Bill, 2010

Answer:  (a) Orissa (the Alteration of Name) Bill, 2010

15.    Earth quake of 6.8 magnitude struck Myanmar’s borders with Thailand and Laos, about 70 miles (110 kilometers) from the northern Thai city of Chiang Rai on 24 March 2011. What was the magnitude of the quake?

a.    6

b.    6.3

c.    6.8

d.    7.6

Answer: (c)

16.    The Shunglu Committee set up to probe corruption in organising the Commonwealth Games (CWG) on 23 March 2011 submitted its second report to the Cabinet Secretary. Which private developer was indicted in the second report?

a.    Emaar MGF

b.    Royale Builders and Developers

c.    Green Field Real Estate

d.    DLF

Answer: (a)

17.    The World Meteorological Organization with its 189 Members and the worldwide meteorological community celebrate World Meteorological Day every year on 23 March. When was the WMO Convention convened for the first time with the purpose of setting up the World Meteorological Organization?

a.    1947

b.    149

c.    150

d.    1956

Answer: (d)

18.    To how many village panchayats was the Nirmal Gram Puraskar awarded by President Pratibha Patil on 23 March 2011?

a.    1543

b.    2808

c.    29

d.    166

Answer: (b)

19.    The Indian government on 24 March 2011 constituted 11member Financial Sector Legislative Reforms Commission (FSLRC) to examine the means of oversight on regulators and their autonomy from the government. Who will head the committee?

a.    Retired Supreme Court Justice BN Srikrishna

b.    former PFRDA Chairman D Swarup

c.    RBI Governor Dr. D. Subbarao

d.    PMEAC member M Govinda Rao

Answer: (a)

20.    On which of the following freedom fighters was a commemorative postage stamp released by the Indian President Pratibha Patil on 24 March 2011?

a.    Padmaja Naidu

b.    Padmaja Naidu

c.    Sucheta Kriplani

d.    Subhadra Joshi

Answer: (d)

21.    Which of the following radio stations was awarded the Most Successful Radio Channel of the Year at the FICCI Frames Excellence Awards 2011 was given out on 25 March 2011?

a.    Radio Mirchi (98.3)

b.    Big FM (92.7)

c.    Red FM (93.5)

d.    Radio One (95)

Answer: (a)

22.    Read the following statement with reference to renowned dancer Leela Samson.

1.    Leela Samson was appointed chairperson of the Central Board for Film Certification on 28 March 2011 by Information and Broadcasting Ministry.

2.    Leela Samson is a renowned Kathakali dancer of India.

3.    Leela Samson won the prestigious Bharat Ratna award in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the art of dance in 1990.

4.    Two documentary films were made on her work namely- Sanchari and The Flowering Tree.

Which of the above mentioned statements is/are false?

a.    2 & 4

b.    3 & 4

c.    2 & 3

d.    Only 4

Answer: (c)

23.    Nisha P. Rajagopal has been chosen as the first recipient of ‘The Hindu Saregama M.S. Subbulakshmi Award instituted on 16 September 2010. To which of the following type of music is she famous for?

a.    Carnatic

b.    Hindusthani classical

c.    Haryanavi Music

d.    Ganasangeet

Answer: (a)

24. A team of Scientists led by Takehiko at Yokohama City University grew sperms in a test-tube. Consider the following statements regarding the scientific breakthrough.

i)   Sperms were grown in a Test-tube for the first time.

ii)  The Scientific breakthrough could help millions of infertile men to attain parenthood.

Now choose the right option:

a)   Both i and ii statements are correct

b)   Only i is correct

c)   Only ii is correct

d)   Both I and ii statements are wrong

Answer: (a) Both i and ii statements are correct

25. The Union ministry of Environment and Forests, recently asked state governments to declare bamboo as a minor forest produce to address livelihood issues of forest dwellers and tribals.  Bamboo is a__.

a) Grass

b) Tree

c) Plant

d) Wood

Answer: (a) Grass

26. The Union Cabinet of India, on 22 March 2011, approved the amendments to the Indian Forest Act, 1927. The amendment to the Indian Forest Act raised the limit to which fines for relatively minor offences can be compounded from 50 rupees to _ rupees.

a) 9000 rupees

b) 10000 rupees

c) 11000 rupees

d) 12000 rupees

Answer: (b) 10000 rupees

27. Earthquake in Myanmar measured at magnitude 6.8 killed 73 people and injured 111 people on 25 March 2011. The strength of an earthquake can be measured by a device called ___.

a) Seismograph

b) Barometer

c) Algometer

d) Thermometer

Answer: (a) Seismograph

28.    Somdev Devvarman was defeated by which of the following ace tennis players at the quarter finals of the Indian Wells Masters in Californiain in two close sets 5-7 4-6 in March 2011?

a.    Cypriot Marcos

b.    Robin Soderling

c.    Rafael Nadal

d.    Andy Murray

Answer: (c)

29.    World No. 4 India’s Saina Nehwal won the Swiss Grand Prix 2011 by defeating Ji Hyun Sung of South Korea 21-13, 21-14. She had earlier defeated the South Korean badminton player in which of the following tournaments?

a.    Swiss Grand Prix 2011

b.    Indonesia Open Super Series in 2010

c.    All England Open Badminton Championships 2010

d.    Irish Open

Answer: (b)

30.    Who defeated Spanish ace tennis player and World No 1 Rafael Nadal 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 on 20 March 2011 to win the ATP Indian Wells title?

a.    Novak Djokovic

b.    Robin Sderling

c.    Andy Murray

d.    Andy Roddick

Answer: (a)

31.    Which of the following football clubs got back on track with a 2-0 win against Arsenal in the FA Cup quarterfinals at Old Trafford on 12 March 2011?

a.    Manchester United

b.    Chelsea

c.    Real Madrid

d.    Liverpool

Answer: (a)

32.    Which of the following teams did Pakistan defeat in the Quarter final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 to reach the semi finals?

a.    India

b.    New Zealand

c.    West Indies

d.    Australia

Answer: (c)

33.    According to the latest WTA list, Sania Mirza broke back into the top-100 in the singles list with a jump of eight places.   What is Sania Mirza’s current position in the singles list?

a.    95

b.    90

c.    99

d.    75

Answer: (c)  

34.    Which Indian cricketer was declared the man of the match in the ICC World Cup Quarter final match between India and Australia in Ahmadabad on 24 March 2011?

a.    M S Dhoni

b.    Suresh Raina

c.    Yuvraj Singh

d.    Yusuf Pathan

Answer: (c)

35.    Based on the recommendations of FIPB the Indian Government on 23 March 2011 approved 14 Foreign Direct Investment proposals and 27 proposals. What is the total worth of the FDI proposals accepted by the government?

a.    Rs 1289 crore

b.    Rs 1500 crore

c.    Rs 1342 crore

d.    Rs 1100 crore

Answer: (a)

36.    The finance ministry has opposed the Reserve Bank of India’s suggestion to restrict foreign direct investment in new banks. RBI had restricted foreign direct investment in new banks to what percentage?

a.    43%

b.    43.22%

c.    45.7%

d.    49%

Answer: (d)

37.    Consider the following statements-

1.    CAG in March 2011 sent a questionnaire consisting 40 questions to the telecom ministry on 2G spectrum allocation scam and other developments in the sector.

2.    The department of telecom (DoT) was asked as to why the spectrum (radio waves) allocation was not delinked from the licence as it was known that spectrum was scarce vis-a-vis the demand.

3.    The Parliamentary panel wanted to know whether DoT consulted telecom regulator TRAI regarding the “No Cap” recommendation on number of operators in a circle.

4.    The loss incurred by the exchequer as a result of the 2G scam is estimated to be Rs 185379 crore

Which of the above mentioned statements related to the 2G scam is true?

a.    All of the above statements

b.    1 & 4

c.    2 & 3

d.    2 & 4

Answer: (c)

38.    Which of the following bodies ordered restriction on transmitting unauthenticated news by brokers and wealth managers on blogs and mobile phones in an effort to prevent stock manipulation through rumours?

a.    RBI

b.    IRDA

c.    FIPB

d.    SEBI

Answer: (d)

39.    Which of the following bodies put off indefinitely the new rules governing unwanted telemarketing calls which were supposed to be implemented from 21 March 2011?

a.    Department of Telecommunication (DoT)

b.    Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)

c.    Indian Ministry of communication & Technology

d.    HRD Ministry

Answer: (b)

40.    The Indian government in March 2011 conferred the Miniratna status on which of the following PSUs?

a.    National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC)

b.    Air India Charters Ltd

c.    Cement Corporation of India

d.    HMT Machine Tools Ltd

Answer: (a)

41.    Gilead Sciences, a California based bio-pharmaceutical research firm, and its patent partner, Roche Holding AG, have sued which of the following Indian generic drug makers in March 2011 for allegedly infringing a US patent for Tamiflu, a drug used in treatment of bird and swine-flu infections?

a.    Dr Reddy’s

b.    Natco Pharma

c.    Ranbaxy Laboratories

d.    GlaxoSmithKline

Answer: (b)

42.    AT&T on Sunday announced that it had agreed to buy T-Mobile USA from which of the following telecom companies for $39 billion?

a.    Deutsche Telekom

b.    Sprint Nextel

c.    Verizon Wireless

d.    Comcast

Answer: (a)

43.    A consortium comprising two companies acquired the IPL’s global Internet, mobile and audio rights, along with television rights in specific territories outside India, for the next four years. The consortium bagged the rights with a winning bid of Rs 261.6 crore in Chennai on 20 March 2011. Which are the two companies included in the consortium?

a.    TIL & Nimbus Communication

b.    Reliance Big Pictures & Zoom

c.    TIL & Colors

d.    Zoom and UTV Motion Pictures

Answer: (a)

44.    HCL Technologies on Thursday announced the expansion of its Smart Grid partner ecosystem by entering into strategic alliances with two data management software firms focused on the smart grid market. Which are the two firms with which HCL has entered into an alliance?

1.    Infosys

2.    eMeter

3.    Cape Gemini

4.    Tridium

a.    1 & 2

b.    2 & 3

c.    2 & 4

d.    1 & 4

Answer: (c)

45.    In India’s first sale of rupee perpetual bonds by a non-finance company Rs 1500 crore ($332 million) was raised. Name the non-finance company.

a.    Tata Steel

b.    Pantallons Retail

c.    RIL

d.    Maruti Suzuki

Answer: (a)

46.    Online marketplace eBay India, in association with leading apparel brand Reebok auctioned a bat autographed by Indian cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni. The proceeds of the auction will go to which of the following NGOs?

a.    Oxfem

b.    CRY

c.    All Bengal Women’s Union

d.    UNEM

Answer: (b)

47.    Who did HDFC Bank, the country's second-largest private sector lender appoint  in March 2011 to head its investment banking division?

a.    Rakesh Singh

b.    Charul Madan

c.    Gaurav Khungar

d.    Atul Singh

Answer: (a)

48.    Read the following statements with regard to a veteran Bollywood actor.

1.    The actor was first introduced in Bollywood movies by actor-filmmaker Sanjay Khan in the film Abdullah.

2.    He essayed the role of villain in more than 200 films.

3.    He was seen in movies like Kaalia, Mard, Nastik, Qurbani, Mr India etc

4.    The actor's biography, Flashback: My Times in Bollywood and Beyond, was to be released by Akshay Kumar in June 2011.

5.    He died at the Jayadeva Institute of Cardiology in Bangalore on 20 March 2011.

Identify the actor being referred to.

a.    Bob Christo

b.    Amjad Khan

c.    Sadashiv Amrapurkar

d.    Milind Gunaji

Answer: (a)

49.    Former Israeli president Moshe Katsav was on 22 March 2011 sentenced to seven years in jail after being convicted for rape. To which of the following parties does he belong to?

a.    Kadima

b.    Likud

c.    United Torah Judaism

d.    Labor Party

Answer: (b)

50.    The prime minister has constituted a committee to suggest rules and regulations for government procurement based on global best practices though India is a not a member of the GPA. What is the full form of GPA?

a.    Government’s People Act

b.    Government Procurement Act

c.    Governmental Public Association

d.    Government for Procurement Agency

Answer: (b)

51.    A weeklong exhibition of handloom and handicrafts, Bihar Utsav-2011 was organised by the Bihar Government in March 2011 to commemorate Bihar’s Foundation Day. When was the modern State of Bihar carved out of Bengal Presidency?

a.    22 March 1912

b.    2 March 1913

c.    31 March 1913

d.    7 March 1912

Answer: (a)

52.    A short film, Eclipse In Taregna which is about 2009 solar eclipse in Targena, a small hamlet in Bihar won the Founder’s Choice Award at which of the following international film festivals in March 2011?

a.    India International Film Festival

b.    Tampa Bay

c.    Queens World Film Festival

d.    New York Indian Film Festival

Answer: (c)

53.    Which one of the following social activist declared in March 2011 that he would sit on a fast on 5 April 2011 in Delhi in support of the introduction of Lokpal Bill to check corruption?

a.    Anna Hazare

b.    Medha Patkar

c.    Aruna Roy

d.    Bhaurao Patil

Answer: (a)

54. British Scientists discovered a cholesterol regulating protein which plays an important role in the formation of thrombosis a kind of blood clot that can result into heart attacks and strokes. What is the name of that protein?

a) LXR

b) LRX

c) XRL

d) LLL

Answer: (a) LXR

55. A report by the Climate Group, named India’s Clean Revolution, published on 18 March 2011 revealed that the market for low carbon goods and services in India could reach 135 billion US dollars by the year___.

a) 2020

b) 2015

c) 2017

d) 2018

Answer: (a) 2020

56. A New Technology Called High Tibial Osteotomy was developed in India to cure which one of the followings?

a) Cancer

b) TB

c) Knee Problems

d) Skin Cancer

Answer: (c) Knee Problems

57. Scientists from which one of the following countries created a herd of more than 200 cows that is capable of producing milk similar to that of humans?

a) China

b) India

c) USA

d) UK

Answer: (a) China

58. A study of the conservation needs of the Kimberley region showed that dozens of mammals, lizards, birds and other vertebrates are endangered because of hunting by feral cats and destruction of their habitat by wild donkeys and fires. In which one of the following countries Kimberley region is located?

a) USA

b) Australia

c) France

d)Canada

Answer: (b) Australia

59.    Chennai-based two-wheeler maker TVS Motor Company launched its premium Apache RTR 180 bike on 11 March 2011. Which unique technology does the bike boast of?

a.    Special cooling technology

b.    anti-lock braking system technology

c.    petrol control technology

d.    shock absorb technology

Answer: (b)

60.    TPG and the Shriram Group will take over which one of the following retail chains through a joint venture subsidiary of the two companies- TPG Wholesale Private Limited?

a.    Vishal Retail

b.    Arvind Brands

c.    Classic Fashions

d.    Heritage Foods (India) Ltd

Answer: (a)

61.    Nippon Life in March 2011 agreed to pick up what percentage of shares in Reliance Life Insurance for Rs 3602 crore marking the single largest foreign direct investment in the insurance sector and the first M&A transaction after IRDA capped life insurance charges in October 2010?

a.    22.3%

b.    24%

c.    25.6%

d.    26%

Answer: (d)

62.    India's largest carmaker, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd rolled out its 10 millionth car on 15 March 2011. Which car was Maruti Suzuki’s 10 millionth car?

a.    blue Wagon-R

b.    red Maruti Omni

c.    red Swift Dezire

d.    black Ritz

Answer: (a)

63.    IT hardware firm HCL Infosystems announced on 17 March 2011 that it bagged an order worth Rs 300 crore from which of the following to deploy Wideband CDMA-based portable wireless network?

a.    Indian Navy

b.    Indian Air Force

c.    DRDO

d.    Indian Army

Answer: (b)

64.    Hindustan Unilever’s toothpaste brand Close Up tied up with which of the following gaming portals for the Close Up’s new variant Fire-Freeze?

a.    in5ane.com

b.    addictingames.com

c.    123kidzarea.com

d.    Zapak.com

Answer: (d)

65.    An Inter-Ministerial Group (IMG) to monitor the process of their release of 53 Indians on five hijacked ships being kept hostage in Somalia was decided to set up. Name the Cabinet Committee which in its meeting on 11 March 2011 decided to set up the IMG.

a.    Cabinet Committee on Foreign Relations

b.    Defence Committee of the Cabinet

c.    Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs

d.    Cabinet Committee on Security

Answer: (d)

66.    Which of the following missiles was not test-fired on 11 March 2011 by India’s Strategic Forces Command (SFC) establishing readiness of India’s nuclear deterrence systems?

1.    Dhanush

2.    Agni-IV

3.    Prithvi-II

4.    Ballistic Air Defence Missile System

a.    1 & 3

b.    2 & 4

c.    1 & 2

d.    3 & 4

Answer: (b)

67.    A devastating earthquake struck Japan on 11 March 2011 shaking buildings in a large swath of the country and giving rise to a 30 foot tsunami. What was the magnitude of the earthquake that hit Japan?

a.    8

b.    8.3

c.    8.9

d.    9.1

Answer: (c)

68.    Japan declared states of emergency for five nuclear reactors at two power plants after the units lost cooling ability in the aftermath of the powerful earthquake that struck on 11 March 2011. Which are the two nuclear plants where Japan declared a state of emergency following the earthquake?

1.    Fukushima Daini site

2.    Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant

3.    Kushima Nuclear Power Plant

4.    Ashihama Nuclear Power Plant

a.    1 & 3

b.    2 & 4

c.    1 & 2

d.    2 & 3

Answer: (c)

69.    Which Indian river-island was nominated by the Indian government to be included in the cultural landscape category of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) World Heritage list?

a.    Majuli

b.    Dhakuwakhana

c.    Nimati Ghat

d.    North Lakhimpur

Answer: (a)

70.    Who among the following list of journalists was on 15 March 2011 conferred the Chameli Devi Jain award 2010 for an outstanding woman media person?

a.    Shahina K K

b.    Shireen Bhan

c.    Prabha Dutt

d.    Bachi Karkaria

Answer: (a)

71.    Bollywood's own Razzies, the annual Golden Kela Awards named which actor was selected as the worst actor for his role in a film released in 2010?

a.    Salman Khan for Veer

b.    Shah Rukh Khan for My Name is Khan

c.    Imran Khan for I Hate Love Stories

d.    Hrithik Roshan for Guzaarish

Answer: (b)

72.    Mauritius has conferred one of his highest honours, Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and the Key of the Indian Ocean, on which of the following presidents?

a.    Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed

b.    Indian President Pratibha Patil

c.    US President barack Obama

d.    French President Nicolas Sarkozy

Answer: (a)

73.    Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) released its latest report on trends in the international arms trade on 14 March 2011. According to the report which country has been the world's biggest weapons importer over the past five years?

a.    China

b.    India

c.    South Korea

d.    Pakistan

Answer: (b)

74.    Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) released its latest report on trends in the international arms trade on 14 March 2011. When did SIPRI come into being?

a.    1960

b.    1966

c.    1970

d.    1983

Answer: (b)

75.    Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on 11 March 2011 announced in Lok Sabha an increase in the allocation under the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLAD) Scheme from Rs.2 crore to Rs.5 crore per Member. When was the MPLAD scheme introduced?

a.    1990

b.    1991

c.    1992

d.    1993

Answer: (d)

76.    Union Minister of Finance Pranab Mukherjee declared in the Lok Sabha on 11 March 2011 the extension of the existing Interest Subvention Scheme of providing short term loans to farmers at 7% interest with additional interest subvention for timely repayment to which of the following group?

a.    Small scale entrepreneurs

b.    Cottage industries & handicraft professionals

c.    Fishermen

d.    Horticulturists

Answer: (c)

77.    Indian agriculture needs Rs 108000 crore to fight climate change in the next five years to ensure food for all at a reasonable price by 2020. National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture is implemented under which of the following?

a.    NABARD

b.    Bharat Nirman

c.    Prime Minister's National Action Plan on Climate Change

d.    Accelerated Fodder Development Programme

Answer: (c)

78. Read the following sentences with regard to NSIC.

1.    National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC) is a public sector undertaking under the ministry of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME).

2.    NSIC was awarded the Mini Ratna status by the Indian Governmnet on 3 March 2011.

3.    NSIC has a marked presence both in the service as well as the manufacturing sectors.

4.    NSIC acts as a facilitator to promote small industries through various user-friendly and demand-driven schemes

Which of the following sentence/sentences is/are not true with regards to NSIC?

a.    Only 3

b.    1 & 3

c.    Only 2

d.    2 & 4

Answer: (a)

79.  In February 2011 imports rose to $31.70 billion, up 21.2 per cent over the same period in 2010 while exports rose 49.8 per cent to $23.60 billion. What was the trade deficit in February 2011?

a.     (-)8.1 billion

b.    (-)8 billion

c.    (-)8.3 billion

d.    (-)8.8 billion

Answer: (a)

80. The Reserve of India on 17 March 2011 increased the interest rate at which it injects liquidity into the banking system by 25 basis points to 6.75 per cent (repo rate). It also revised its inflation projection for March-end 2011 from 7 % to _?

a.    7.3

b.    7.5

c.    7.5

d.    8

Answer: (d)

81. An international team of scientists, led by the Australian National University recently discovered evidence that the body’s immune cells often share information about foreign substances with each other to ward of invaders. The study can help increase the immunity level in human body against pathogens and cancer. Which of the followings are the symptoms of Cancer? 

i) Weight Loss

ii) Excessive Sweating

iii) Lumps and Swelling (tumour)

iv) Enlargement of Spleen

Please choose the correct option:

a)    i, ii, iii and iv

b)    i and ii only

c)    i, ii and iii

only i

Answer: (a) I, ii, iii and iv

82. According to an extensive genetic study on modern humans, two conclusions were drawn out.

i) There is an enormous amount of diversity in the African hunter-gatherer populations.

ii) The genetic diversity among 27 present-day African populations originated in southern Africa and progressed to northern Africa.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

a)    Both i and ii

b)    Neither I and ii

c)    Only i

d)    Only ii

Answer: (a) both i and ii

83. A massive Tsunami caused by a devastating earthquake of the 8.9 magnitude hit about 400 km north-east of Tokyo, capital of Japan. Consider the following statements regarding Tsunami.

i) A Tsunami is a series of ocean waves that sends surges of water, reaching heights of over 100 feet onto land.

ii) Most tsunamis, about 80 percent, happen within the Pacific Ocean’s Ring of Fire, a geologically active area where tectonic shifts make earthquakes and volcanoes common.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

a)    Both i and ii

b)    Only i

c)    Only ii

d)    Neither i  nor ii

Answer: (a) Both i and ii

84.  A massive Tsunami caused by a devastating earthquake of the 8.9 magnitude hit about 400 km north-east of Tokyo, capital of Japan. Where is the Pacific Tsunami Warning System headquartered?

a) Hawai

b) Tokyo

c) Manila

d) Jakarta

Answer: (a) Hawai

85. A massive Tsunami caused by a devastating earthquake of the 8.9 magnitude hit about 400 km north-east of Tokyo, capital of japan. What are the possible factors which can cause Tsunami?

i)An Earthquake

ii) A landslide

iii) A volcanic eruption or explosion

iv) Impact by a meteorite

Please choose the right option

a)    i, ii, iii and iv

b)    i and ii only

c)    ii and iii only

d)    i and iv only

Answer: (a) i, ii, iii and iv

86. As per the official data released by TRAI on 9 March 2011, which state in MNP Zone-2 recorded the maximum number of request for mobile number portability by end of February 2011?

a.    Tamil Nadu

b.    Karnataka

c.    West Bengal

d.    Assam

Answer: (b) Karnataka

87. The Enforcement Directorate has booked Pune-based real estate agent and stud farm owner Hasan Ali Khan under section 3 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. When did PMLA come into existence?

a.    2000

b.    2002

c.    2005

d.    1999

Answer: (c) 2005

88. The e-commerce portal of India Post, was launched by Union Minister Kapil Sibal on 9 March 2011 provide postal services online. Which among the following is the correct name of the portal?

a.    e-post office

b.    e-post service

c.    e-postal services

d.    India Post e-commerce

Answer: (a) e-post office

89. Steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal overtook Mukesh Ambani to become the wealthiest Indian as per the annual Forbes list of World Billionaires for 2011. What is Lakshmi Mittal’s ranking in the list?

a.    Fourth

b.    Sixth

c.    Ninth

d.    Eleventh

Answer: (b) Sixth

90. According to the Economic Survey of India 2010-11, Forex Reserves estimated at __ US dollars.

a) 297.3 billion US dollars

b) 245.6 billion US dollars

c) 285.4 billion US dollars

d) 113.2 billion US dollars

Answer: (a) 297.3 billion US dollars

91. Consider the following statements regarding the Economic Survey of India 2010-11.

i) Agriculture likely to grow at 5.4% in 2010-11

ii) Trade Gap narrowed to 82.01 billion US dollars in April-December 2010

iii) 59% rise in Bank Credit

Please choose the right option:

a)    All the three statements  i, ii and iii are correct ; b) only I and ii are correct

b)    All three statements are wrong ; d) only i) is correct

Answer: (a) All three Statements i, ii and iii are correct

92.  India’s External debt stood at 295.8 billion US dollars at the end of September 2010, recording an increase of 33.5 billion US dollars ove the level of end-March 2010. The rise in debt was largely due to

i) Higher Commercial borrowings; ii) Short-term trade credits

iii) Multilateral government borrowings

Please choose the right option:

a)    Only i  b) only i and ii

b)    Only i and iii ; d) All I,ii and iii

Answer: (d) All i, ii and iii

93. Consider the following statements:

1. India’s exports crossed the USD 200 billion mark in the first eleven months of the 2010-11 fiscal.

2. The trade gap for the first 11 months of the financial year 2010-11 stood at USD 97.1 billion.

3. African countries and Japan were the traditional markets for Indian exporters during the 2010-11.

4. The current forecast for the 2011-12 is USD 230-235 billion.

Which of the statement given above is not correct?

a.1

b. 2

c. 3

d.4

Answer: (c) 3

94. Foreign Minister of Brazil Antonio Patriota, reached India for a five day visit on 5 March 2011 for the Bilateral and the IBSA Ministerial meetings. What was the major agreement signed between Indian & Brazil during this period?

a.    Air Services Agreement

b.    Agreement on disarmament & non-proliferation

c.    Bilateral trade and investment agreement

d.    Climate change agreement

Answer: (a) Air Services Agreement

95. Which of the following days in March is observed as the International Children Broadcasting Day?

a.    6 March

b.    7 March

c.    9 March

d.    13 March

Answer: (a) 6 March

96. Singapore on 5 March 2011 appointed Brigadier General Ravinder Singh as its next army chief. Who was the first ever Sikh and non-Chinese to take up the post of army chief of Singapore in 1982?

a.    Colonel Mancharan Singh Gill

b.    Hari Singh Nalwa

c.    Harchand Singh

d.    Nirmal Chandra Suri

Answer: (a) Colonel Mancharan Singh Gill

97.  Which one of the following states recently announced 2-year child care leave for its women employees?

a) Bihar

b) Uttar Pradesh

c) Tamil Nadu

d) Uttarakhand

Answer: (d) Uttarakhand

98. The Foreign Ministers of the Least Developed Countries (LDC) and India attended the India-LCD Ministerial Conference on 18-19 February 2011. Where it was held?

a) New Delhi

b) Tripoli

c) Thimpu

d) Kathmandu

Answer: (a) New Delhi

99. What was the theme of International Women’s day in 2011?

a) Equal Access to Education, Training and Science and Technology: Pathway to Decent Work for Women.

b) Celebrating Women’s Power

c) Equality, Freedom and Unity

d) Equal Opportunities for All

Answer: (a) Equal Access to Education, Training and Science and Technology: Pathway to Decent Work for Women.

100. Illinois became __th State of the United States to abolish the death penalty when its Governor Pat Quinn announced the decision on 9 March 2011?

a) 15th

b) 14th

c) 16th

d) 17th

Answer: (b) 16t

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