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ALL INDIA CURRENT AFFAIRS DECEMBER 2015 (131 Questions)
Question: Which state has joined the UDAY scheme most recently on 19th December 2015?
A. MP
B. WB
C. Karnataka
D. UP
Answer: UP
Explanation: State Cabinet of Uttar Pradesh has approved state’s participation in UDAY/ Ujwal Discom Assurance YojanA. 11 states so far have joined the UDAY scheme namely
Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh, Jammu & Kashmir , Jharkhand , Gujarat , Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan.
Question: IIT-Roorkee has conducted research indicating that emissions from vehicles in Delhi have increased close to ____ times between 1991 and 2011.
A. 2
B. 3
C. 4
D. 5
Answer: 3
Explanation: An 8 year study conducted by IIT Roorkee, University of Minnesota and University of Surrey have shown that emissions from vehicles in Delhi rose up to 3 times between 1991 and 2011. This is projected to rise by 19 times by 2020. Private vehicles emissions have increased by 2 to 12 times in 2011 and 2 to 16 times in 2015 over 1991 levels.
Question: Which recipient of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1982 passed away recently?
A. Sai. K Ganesh
B. Kolanka Anil Kumar
C. Chatla Sriramulu
D. Satyaprakash
Answer: Chatla Sriramulu
Explanation: Noted writer and theatre artist Chatla Sriramulu passed away on 18th December 2015 at Telangana following a brief illness at 84. He hailed from Vijaywada city. He was critical in the establishment of popular literary and cultural organisation Rasaranjani and awarded the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1982. He was the first artiste from AP to receive an Emeritus fellowship from HRD, GoI.
Question: Which famous British novelist who passed away on 16th December 2015 received the Carnegie medal twice?
A. Rudyard Kipling
B. Somerset Maugham
C. None of the above
D. Peter Dickinson
Answer: Peter Dickinson
Explanation: British novelist Peter Dickinson passed away on 16th December 2015 following a brief illness in Hampshire at the age of 88. He was a prolific novelist for children and adults and has the distinction of being the first author to receive the Carnegie medal twice.
Question: In which village has a Vajrayana diety Heruka been discovered?
A. Vommili
B. Madugala
C. Karnal
D. Medak
Answer: Vommili
Explanation: Historical evidence of immense heritage value has been found by Vommili archeologists. Objects retrieved from a trial excavation on the surface including a standing diety Heruka, a terracotta elephant head, conical mud bowls, thumb and finer print as well as dull chocolate coloured slipware. The site has been inspected to reveal retrieved objects indicating Buddhist monastery of this era has been discovered in Vishakhpatnam district.
Question: A new species of eel has been discovered in West Bengal’s Medinipur district called as _______________.
A. Aymnothorax mishrai
B. Gymnothorax mishrai
C. Dymnothorax mishrai
D. Tymnothorax mishrai
Answer: Gymnothorax mishrai
Explanation: Scientists at the Zoological Survey of India have discovered a new species of eel alongside the Digha coast in Purba, Medinipur District West Bengal. The species has been named Gymnothorax mishrai, and is 32.4 cm long, and brown in colour. It has a body is without any patterns and is a marine species which is edible.
Question: NGT has directed the Eastern Zone bench to map which part of the country?
A. Thar Desert
B. Sunderbans
C. Himalayas
D. None of the above
Answer: Sunderbans
Explanation: NGT on 18th December 2015 directed the Eastern Zone bench to map the Sunderbans, making out 3 zones. The Sunderbans is a Biosphere Reserve and must have 3 distinct zones namely transient, buffer and core. Human activity may be going on in the core area According to global standards, transition zone of area of cooperation is a larger outer area of a biosphere reserve where people live, work and use natural resources in a sustainable way.
Question: Which country’s currency lost 30% of its value after controls were lifted on 18th December 2015?
A. Chinese yuan
B. Japanese yen
C. US dollar
D. Argentine peso
Answer: Argentine peso
Explanation: Following the lifting of controls, Argentine peso lost 30% of its value after a pro business government scrapped forex restrictions introduced by leftist predecessors. Following the close of the first day in the absence of currency limits, dollars were changing hands for 14 pesos which is 42% higher than closing rate.
Question: Which veteran leader of the CPI (M) who recently passed away was imprisoned in Emergency?
A. Noorul Huda
B. Jyotirmoy Basu
C. Buddhadeb Bhattacharya
D. None of the above
Answer: Noorul Huda
Explanation: Noodle Huda, veteran leader of the CPI-M of eastern India passed away on 17th December 2015 gayer a cardiac arrest in Kolkotta at the age of 86. He is survived by his wife and was member of the Central Committee of CPI-M for 30 years. He was also member of the Assam State Assembly from 1978 to 1983 and was imprisoned during the emergency.
Question: How many new districts will be added to West Bengal?
A. 4
B. 5
C. 6
D. 7
Answer: 6
Explanation: Addressing the media after a cabinet meeting, CM Mamta Banerjee said Darjeeling in north Bengal will be bifurcated and a new district called Kalimpong carved out of it. Sidebands currently stretchs across North and South 24 Paraganas districts. Basirhat district will be formed out of North 24 Parganas district while existing Burdwan district will be bifurcated into two- rural and urban. Jhargram under the West Midnapore district will become a separate district while Minik block will be upgraded to subdivisions as will Jhalda and Manbazar in Purulia.
Question: Tata Global Beverages announced the youngest TATA CEO has resigneD. Who is he/she?
A. Sumi Ghosh
B. Avani Davda
C. Cyrus Mistry
D. Ravi Kant
Answer: Avani Davda
Explanation: TATA Global Beverages on 17th December announced that the youngest CEO in the TATA Group, Avani Davda has resigned to pursue opportunities outside the group. Davda was the CEO of TATA Starbucks, a joint venture between Starbucks Corp and TATA Global Beverages. She has established the TATA Starbucks and positioning Starbucks as the premier coffee house in IndiA. Starbucks opened its first India store in October 2012. JV has appointed Sumi Ghosh as CEO w.e.f January 1st 2015.
Question: Which Nobel Laureate will be made the saint of the Roman Catholic Church in September 2016?
A. Mother Teresa
B. Desmond Tutu
C. Sister Nirmala
D. Dalai Lama
Answer: Mother Teresa
Explanation: Mother Teresa of Calcutta, the Nobel laureate born to Albanian parents in Macedonia who worked for the cause of the poor in India, will be made a saint of the Roman Catholic Church in September 2016, according to Avvenire, the official newspaper of the Italian Catholics bishops conference. Mother Teresa who passed away in 1997 at the age of 87 was beautified by former Pope John Paul in 2003. Avenger said the second miracle needed for canonisation involved the cure of a man suffering from a deadly brain disease. Missionaries of Charity was founded in Calcutta by her. She also won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979.
Question: Which husband-wife activist duo has been honoured with the 2015 Lifetime Service Award by Sanctuary Asia magazine on 18th December 2015?
A. Abhay and Rani Bang
B. Claude and Norma Alvares
C. Narayana and Sudha Murthy
D. Javed Akhtar and Shabana Azmi
Answer: Claude and Norma Alvares
Explanation: Husband-wife team of Claude and Norma Alvares on 18th December 2015 was honoured with the 2015 Lifetime Services Award by Sanctuary Asia magazine. Another pioneer in fighting wildlife crimes and chairman emeritus of the Wildlife Trust of India, Ashok Kumar was named the Sanctuary LegenD. Wildlife Service Award went to 5 others namely Varad Giri, Nandini Velho, Param Jit Singh, Yashveer Bhavnagar and the Gir Lion Protection Team.
Question: International Migrants Day has been celebrated on 18th December since which year?
A. 2000
B. 2003
C. 2005
D. 2010
Answer: 2000
Explanation: International Migrants Day was observed across the world on 18th December 2015. Since 2014, close to 5000 people have lost their lives in search of a better life while migrating. Year 2015 is the year of migrant tragedies and with the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, world leaders vowed to protect the labour rights of migrants and curb criminal human trafficking networks. This day has been celebrated since 2000.
Question: Fokker Technologies signed an LTA with which Indian company on 17th December 2015?
A. Asahi
B. Aequs
C. Reliance
D. M&M
Answer: Aequs
Explanation: Fokker Technologies, a division of GKN Aerospace and Aequs India signed a long term agreement for supply of machine components for Boeing’s Chinook helicopter. The LTA was signed at the Boeing India Supplier Conference in Hyderabad and Fokker Technologies will build parts into final sub-assemblies in facilities in Papendrecht, The Netherlands. Fokker Technologies commenced operations in 2014.
Question: Jet Airways CEO Cramer Ball has resigned to be replaced by which executive as acting CEO?
A. Gaurang Shetty
B. Silvano Cassano
C. Naresh Goyal
D. None of the above
Answer: Gaurang Shetty
Explanation: Jet Airways, India’s second largest airline by market share, saw the resignation of its CEO Cramer Ball w.e.f February 29, 2016. Ball has stepped down to pursue new opportunities in Europe for family reasons. Whole time director at the airline G. Shetty will be acting CEO. Ball joined Jet Airways last year. He will now work for Italian airline Alitalia as the CEO, replacing Silvano Cassano who quit the company in September 2015. Jet was trying to implement a turnaround strategy and Etihad Airways has a 24% stake in the airline, the first time a company has made profits in the second quarter in 8 years.
Question: ADAG’s Reliance Entertainment announced a JV called Amblin Partners with which acclaimed Hollywood director?
A. James Cameron
B. Quentin Tarantino
C. Steven Spielberg
D. Stanley Kubrick
Answer: Steven Spielberg
Explanation: ADAG Reliance Entertainment and acclaimed Hollywood director Spielberg has announced formation of Amblin Partners with his company DreamWorks. This is a new film television and digital content creation company. Also part of the venture are Participant Media by Jeff Skoll and Entertainment One, a US based media company.
Question: Which Twitter executive is set to quit the company next month?
A. Daljeet Singh
B. Baljeet Singh
C. Glenn Brown
D. None of the above
Answer: Baljeet Singh
Explanation: Baljeet Singh, Twitter product lead in charge of video will quit the company next month, according to a Twitter spokesperson. Singh is currently senior product director and joined Twitter 2 years after he worked for more than 5 years with YouTube. Singh will be the latest product leader to leave Twitter after Glenn Brown.
Question: Which ride hailing app hired start up veteran Evan Cohen to head its East Coast Operations?
A. Lyft
B. Uber
C. Ola
D. None of the above
Answer: Lyft
Explanation: Ride hailing app Lyft has hired Evan Cohen on 17th December 2015 to head its east coast operations to win over regulators and fend off competitors. Cohen is a former executive from Foursquare, a mobile app providing recommendations for restaurants and nightlife. He has joined as regional director of the company.
Question: Apple has named which executive as the COO on 17th December 2015?
A. Johnny Srouji
B. Jeff Williams
C. Tim Cook
D. None of the above
Answer: Jeff Williams
Explanation: Apple has named Jeff Williams as the new COO since Tim Cook left the position to become a CEO of the company. Williams has been in Apple for 17 years and supervised the launch of Apple Watch. Apple has already named Johnny Srouji as the senior vice president.
Question: RBI announced new _________ moving towards marginal cost of funds methodology for interest rate on advances.
A. Base Rate Index
B. Base Rate Formula
C. Base Rate Percentage
D. Base Rate Ratio
Answer: Base Rate Formula
Explanation: On 17th December 2015, RBI announced a new base rate formula moving towards marginal cost of funds methodology for interest rate on advances. The final norms on marginal costs for banks will take effect from April 1, 2016. All loans and credit limits for April 1 will be priced in the context of MCLR or Marginal Cost of Funds based Lending Rate.
Question: World Bank has approved a USD 1.5 billion loan for which campaign?
A. Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan
B. Sara Shiksha Abhiyan
C. Swachch Bharat Abhiyan
D. Jan Andolan Abhiyan
Answer: Swachch Bharat Abhiyan
Explanation: World Bank has approved a loan of USD 1.5 billion for clean India campaign to support improved sanitation in the country. According to WB stats, 2.4 billion people in the world lack access to improved sanitation of which 750 million are in India and 80% are living in rural areas. Loan will be used for the SBM Support Operation Project.
Question: Which business school and the PwC network have announced the setting up a think tank on 16th December 2015?
A. Jindal Business School
B. Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies
C. Indian School of Business
D. None of the above
Answer: Indian School of Business
Explanation: Indian School of Business and Strategy&, a part of the PriceWaterhouseCooper network have entered into a contract to set up an industry think tank in the Indian defence sector. An agreement to this effect has been signed on 16th December 2015. This is against the backdrop of Make in India policy and thrust on local aerospace and defence production.
Question: Which software exporter has bagged a deal with German aviation major Lufthansa on 16th December 2015?
A. Wipro
B. Infosys
C. Cognizant
D. TCS
Answer: TCS
Explanation: The largest software exporter in the company TCS has been selected by German aviation major Lufthansa for setting up a test facility to support its IT transformation initiative in a multi million dollar deal. TCS will provide testing service. It will also help improve the quality of services of Lufthansa’s technology ops. Currently, TCS has 85 clients in Germany and Austria.
Question: US PE firm Blackstone has purchased a minority stake in IBS Software from which company on 16th December 2015?
A. General Atlantic
B. General Electric
C. IBM
D. Apple
Answer: General Atlantic
Explanation: US PE firm Blackstone Group LP has purchased a minority stake in India’s IBS Software for USD 170 million from shareholders including General AtlantiC. IBS is a software company involved in diverse industries such as travel, hospitality, logistics and oil and gas. General Atlantic has been an investor in IBS since 2007. PE firm Blackstone has been looking for investment opportunities since acquisition of India operations of British outsourcing firm Serco for 250 million pounds, the largest acquisition in India by enterprise value.
Question: Parrots in Madagascar and Comoros have been found to _________, for the first time.
A. Forage for food
B. Use tools
C. Imitate each other’s speech
D. None of the above
Answer: Use tools
Explanation: A species of parrots in Madagascar and Comoros has been found using tools, which is a first mong parrots. This species of parrot used small pebbles and date pits to break/grind shells so that they can be consumeD. Sea shells are a rich source of calcium. 10 captive parrots were studied by researchers to document their interactions with cockle shells on the aviary floor.
Question: What percentage of emissions come from worldwide livestock, according to FAO?
A. 14
B. 15
C. 16
D. 17
Answer: 15
Explanation: Burning of fossil fuels is one of the biggest causes for climate change. Another point is the high level of meat consumption. FAO scientists have estimated 15% of emissions or 7.1 billion tonnes of C02 come from worldwide livestock. Emissions can be cut by reducing meat consumption, according to FAO. Meat consumption is projected to rise to 460 million tonnes by 2050.
Question: India recorded USD ____ billion in PE investments in 2015.
A. 16.5
B. 17.5
C. 18.5
D. 17.8
Answer: 17.5
Explanation: India recorded private equity investment of USD 17.5 billion in 2015 centred around record high across 685 deals, according to PwC. This breached the previous high of 14.7 billion recorded in 2007. The year 2015 also saw USD 8.2 billion worth of exits, more than 4 billion of exits in the previous year. 2010 has set a record high in the number of exits prior to this, pegged at USD 6.3 billion.
Question: What does NEP stand for?
A. National Education Programme
B. National Education Policy
C. New Education Policy
D. New Education Programme
Answer: New Education Policy
Explanation: GoI has undertaken a collaborative and multi-pronged consultation process for formulating a NEP or New Education Policy that includes the following thematic deliberations: online, grassroots and national level. NEP consultation process has been initiated with CABE/Central Advisory Board of Education officials.
Question: What is obliquity?
A. An angle of the earth’s polar regions
B. The tilt of the earth
C. Patterns of a mathematical prism
D. None of the above
Answer: The tilt of the earth
Explanation: Researchers have discovered a connection between earth’s tilt called obliquity and shifts every 41,0000 years and the movement of a low pressure band of clouds that is the largest source of heat and moisture for the earth namely the ITCZ or Intertropical Convergence Zone. Study reveals that earth’s tilt plays a much larger role in ITCZ migration than previously determineD. This will enable climate scientists to better predict extreme weather events.
Question: From January 26, 2016 which e-commerce company will be available in multiple regional languages for the first time?
A. Snapdeal
B. Flipkart
C. Myntra
D. Jabong
Answer: Snapdeal
Explanation: For overcoming language barriers and shopping online in the regional language they prefer, Snapdeal users can now try its multilingual interface. Snapdeal’s user interface on mobile will soon be available in English and 11 regional languages w.e.f January 26th. Snapped has now expanded the reach to 130 million smartphone users in the country.
Question: The United Nations released the Human Development Report on 14th December 2015 with which title?
A. World for Human Development in Tanzania
B. World for Human Development in Ethiopia
C. Work for Human Development in Ethiopia
D. Work for Human Development in Tanzania
Answer: Work for Human Development in Ethiopia
Explanation: This report was released on 14th December 2015 with the title “Work for Human Development in Ethiopia”. This report also said that 2 billion people were lifted out of low human development within the past 25 years. As per the 2015 report, India attained a score of 0.609 thereby ranked 130 of 188 nations in terms of the HDI. In the 2014 report, India’s report was 135 out of 187.
Question: Which Chinese e-commerce company will pay USD 266 million for purchasing South China Morning Post?
A. Baidu
B. Alibaba
C. Xiaomi
D. Redmi
Answer: Alibaba
Explanation: Chinese internet company Alibaba will pay USD 266 million for the South China Morning Post of Hong Kong. The business had been valued at half the amount and some observers indicated that the hefty price tag reveals Alibaba’s intent to control the mediA. Alibaba also owns the Hong Kong editions of magazines Cosmopolitan, Elle, Esquire and Harper’s Bazaar.
Question: Which tournament did boxer Shiva Thapa receive the bronze medal for in 2014?
A. Commonwealth Games
B. World Championships
C. Asian Championships
D. London Games
Answer: World Championships
Explanation: In a massive boost for 4 Indian boxers, the International Olympics Committee conferred scholarships on the sportsman namely World Championships bronze medallist Shiva Thapa, Commonwealth Games silver medalist Mandeep Jangra, and Sumit Sangwan as well as Gaurav Bidhuri. While Bidhuri finished with an impressive performance at the World Series of Boxing, Sumit won a silver medal at the 2010 Asian Championships. A sum of USD 800 per month will be given to them as part of the scholarship along with USD 5,000 provided they qualify for the Olympics.
Question: Director’s pay in public companies has been capped at what percent of net profit under the Companies Act?
A. 10
B. 11
C. 12
D. 13
Answer: 11
Explanation: Overall remuneration that directors of public companies can receive has been fixed at 11% of its annual profit recorded in a particular financial year. Under the Companies Act, Corporate Affairs Minister Arun Jaitley has announced that total remuneration payable to directors shall not exceed 11 percent of the net profits of that company for that financial year. Firms that will be considered public companies would be those with minimum paid up capital of INR 5 lakh or more. When there are losses or inadequate profits, remuneration may be paid as per the limits perceived and conditions specified in the Act.
Question: Which Indian automobile company has agreed to purchase Italian car designer Pininfarina S.p.A in an all cash deal on 14th December 2015?
A. Tech Mahindra
B. Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd
C. TATA Motors
D. Both a and b
Answer: Both a and b
Explanation: Tech Mahindra and Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd, part of the Mahindra Group have made the agreement to purchase Italian car designer Pininfarina S.p. A in an all cash deal. Tech Mahindra and M&M will form a 60:40 JV for acquiring Milanese company Pininfarina which has designed cars such as Ferrari, Rolls Royce and CadillaC. The JV, will also infuse 20 million euros into Pininfarina by way of a rights issue, which would be executed before the end of 2016.
Question: Which company has announced a strategic agreement to divide digital transformation across Etihad Airways and its equity partners?
A. Wipro
B. TCS
C. Cognizant
D. None of the above
Answer: Cognizant
Explanation: Etihad Airways has announced a strategic agreement with Cognizant to drive digital transformation across the airline and its equity partners. As per the 3 year multi-million dollar deal, Cognizant will enable Etihad Airways to define its digital strategy and enable the airlines and its equity partners to better understand the needs of their customers. As part of the engagement, this IT company will manage the existing web apps and portals of the airline and integrate them into a new digital platform.
Question: Which senior Wipro executive submitted a resignation letter on 14th December 2015?
A. Anisha Singh
B. Sangita Singh
C. Jeffrey Heena Jalil
D. None of the above
Answer: Sangita Singh
Explanation: Wipro healthcare and life sciences CEO Sangita Singh has quit following 23 years of service with the company. She is one of the senior most leaders in the IT industry and has resigned at a very high level. Global health of life sciences and healthcare strategic business units will now be taken over by senior VP J. Heenan-Jalil. Healthcare and life sciences constitutes 11.4% of USD 7.6 billion which forms the firm’s top line.
Question: Which chess grandmaster won the London classic on 14th December 2015?
A. Anish Giri
B. Viswanathan Anand
C. Magnus Carlsen
D. Maxime Vachier Lagrave
Answer: Magnus Carlsen
Explanation: Ex world champion V. Anand played a draw with Holland’s Anish Giri to finish 9th in the London ClassiC. The event was won by Magnus Carlsen of Norway. World champion Carlsen has won the Grand Chess Tour after winning the classic beating Russia’s Alexander Grischuk and Maxime Vachier Lagrave of France.
Question: How many glaciers out of 2018 are retreating, as per a recent government response in the RS on 15th December 2015?
A. 235
B. 248
C. 221
D. 239
Answer: 248
Explanation: Close to 248 of 2018 or 12.3% of Himalayan glaciers are retreating. Around 18 are advancing and a majority or around 86% are stable. This result is based on an ISRO-MoEF study conducted between 2004 and 2011 in the Himalayas.
Question: LoI was signed between which two cities for cooperation in the field of technological interventions in art, culture and museum as part of sister initiatives?
A. San Francisco and New Delhi
B. San Francisco and Bengaluru
C. San Jose and Mumbai
D. San Jose and Chennai
Answer: San Francisco and Bengaluru
Explanation: Letter of Intent was signed between San Francisco and Bengaluru on 14th December 2015 for cooperation in diverse fields such as art, culture and museums as part of the sister initiative between the two cities. Interactive art and technology installations from San Francisco will soon be installed in the city at places such as Cubbon Park and Vidhan Soudha metro station.
Question: As per the government data, CPI has come in higher in the month of November, at the value ____.
A. 5.21%
B. 5.31%
C. 5.41%
D. 5.51%
Answer: 5.41%
Explanation: The Consumer Price Index for the month of November was pegged at 5.41 percent as against 5% month on month driven by rise in food inflation. Food inflation was pegged at 6.07% as against 5.25% MoM. Upside surprise in food inflation must not be generalised according to economists. The CPI running lower than RBI estimates could increase to 5.5% going forward.
Question: Which famous Cornell University scholar died on 13th December 2015 at the age of 79?
A. John Nash
B. Benedict Anderson
C. Craig J. Reynolds
D. None of the above
Answer: Benedict Anderson
Explanation: Benedict Anderson, a scholar from Cornell university who was one of the most influential voices in the field of nationalism and Southeast Asia studies passed away in Indonesia on 13th December 2015 at the age of 79. He died in his sleep during a visit to the city of Malang. He is best known for his 1983 book entitled Imagined Communications: Reflections on the Origin and Spread of Nationalism.
Question: Leaders from which nation/s have joined Turkmenistan in breaking ground on a new pipeline for delivering natural gas called TAPI on 13th December 2015?
A. Afghanistan
B. Pakistan
C. India
D. All of the above
Answer: All of the above
Explanation: Leaders from Afghanistan, India and Pakistan have joined Turkmenistan in breaking ground over the new TAPI pipeline which is 1080 miles long and intended to carry gas through Afghan cities of Herat and Kandahar and end up in India Pakistan border town FazilkA. Turkmenistan has the world’s 4th largest gas reserves yet exports mainly to China.
Question: Saudi Arabians voted how many women into public office for the first time in the municipal elections in the conservative Islamic Kingdom, on December 13th 2015?
A. 14
B. 16
C. 17
D. 18
Answer: 17
Explanation: Saudi Arabians voted 17 women into public office in municipal elections in the conservative Islamic kingdom on Saturday, the first for allowing female participation. This election is a landmark step because women can now vote and run as candidates. This is a major step forward from the time that women were barred from driving and dependent on male relatives for all life decisions.
Question: Which temple in Cambodia has been discovered to be much larger and complex than previously envisioned by archaeologists?
A. Angkor Wat
B. Bayon
C. Preah Khan
D. Phnom Bakheng
Answer: Angkor Wat
Explanation: Angkor Wat temple in Cambodia is much larger than previously thought, according to archeologists who discovered buried towers and remains of huge structure near the largest religious monument in the worlD. Team also found more components than previously envisaged and bounded on the south side by a unique, massive structure. Researchers also found that Angkor Wat included an entire ensemble of buried towers built and demolished during construction and initial use of the temple.
Question: Which shuttlers won the men’s and women’s singles at the BWF Superseries Finals on December 13, 2015?
A. Kento Momota and Nozomi Okuhara
B. Chen Long and Carolina Marin
C. Chen Long and Saina Nehwal
D. Kidambi Srikanth and P.V. Sindhu
Answer: Kento Momota and Nozomi Okuhara
Explanation: Japanese shuttlers Kento Momota and Nozomi Okuhara have won the men’s and women’s singles categories in the BWF Superseries Final at Hamden Sports Complex. World no.5 Momota beat Danish Viktor Axelsen while World No.4 Okuhara beat No.3 Yihan Wang from ChinA. Chinese twin shuttlers Luo Ying and Luo Yu won the women’s doubles titles while in the mixed double final, Adock couple Chris and Gabriele were the victors. Indonesia’s double men’s pair of Hendra Setiwan and Mohammad Ahsan won the men’s doubles.
Question: The logo and mascot of the 12th South Asian Games 2016 were unveiled on 13th December 2015. What is the name of the mascot?
A. Chickori
B. Tikhori
C. Bikhori
D. None of the above
Answer: Tikhori
Explanation: Organising Committee of the 12th South Asian Games 2016 unveiled the logo and mascot of the game at Guwahati,Assam. Both Shillong and Guwahati will jointly host the Games from February 6 to 16 2016. The OC-SAG kicked off its volunteers programme also, which is open to the publiC. Close to 4500 sports persons and officials from 8 nations will be participating in 23 events from 6th to 16th February 2016. The logo has 8 petals representing the nations participating in the 12th South Asian Games. Name of the Mascot of the Games is Tikhor who is the brand ambassador of the 12th South Asian Games 2016.
Question: Melting of glaciers near the poles of the earth has resulted in rise in which level causing a slowing down of the planet’s rotation?
A. Heat
B. Ice
C. Sea
D. None of the above
Answer: Sea
Explanation: Melting of glaciers near the poles of the earth and rise in sea level has slowed down the earth’s rotation, increasing the length of the days. Scientists are studying past changes in sea level to make accurate future predictions. Melting water from glaciers not only causes a rise in sea levels, but also leads the shift of the mass from the poles to the equator. Gravity from the moon also leads to the slowdown. Consequently, the length of the days is slowly rising and in a century from now, it will increase by 1.7 milliseconds.
Question: Board of which two countries approved a definitive agreement to merge the companies in an all stock deal on 11th December 2015?
A. Microsoft Corp and HP
B. Apple and IBM
C. DuPont and Dow Chemical Company
D. None of the above
Answer: DuPont and Dow Chemical Company
Explanation: BoD of DuPont and Dow Chemical Company on 11th December 2015 has approved a definitive agreement for merging the two companies in an all stock deal. Merged company will be named DowDuPoint and will have combined market cap of 130 billion dollars at announcement. Under the transaction terms, Dow shareholders will receive fixed exchange ratio of 1.00 share of DowDuPont for each Dow share. DuPont shareholders will receive fixed exchange ratio of 1.282 shares in DowDuPont for each DuPont share.
Question: Data integrator SnapLogic has just raised funds from which major companies on December 12, 2015?
A. Microsoft Corp
B. Silver Lake Waterman
C. Triangle Peak Partners
D. Both a and b
Answer: Both a and b
Explanation: Data integrator SnapLogic has raised USD 37.5 million in funds from Microsoft Corp and Silver Lake Waterman, where plans are on to accelerate growth and expansion. Silver Lake Waterman is the growth arm of Silver Lake. It focuses on flexible capital building for later stage growth tech firms. SnapLogic is a San Mateo California based company. It was founded in 2006 by Gaurav Dhillon and its customers include Adobe Systems Inc and AstraZeneca Plc.
Question: Wipro has just won which award for developing a solution for Internet of Things on 12th December 2015?
A. Aegis Graham Bell award
B. Alexander Graham Bell award
C. Graham Bell award
D. None of the above
Answer: Aegis Graham Bell award
Explanation: Global software company Wipro has announced that it has won the Aegis Graham Bell award for developing IoT solutions. This is the country’s innovation award in the field of internet, telecom, media, entertainment, social mobility analytics and cloud.
Question: How many countries have submitted their nationally determined contributions on climate actions at the COP21 plenary on 12th December 2015?
A. 186
B. 188
C. 189
D. 190
Answer: 189
Explanation: 189 nations have so far submitted their nationally determined contributions on climate actions. Paris agreement will be open for signature in the UN NY HQ from 22nd April 2016 and will entrant force on the 30th day after 55 parties to the UNFCC estimated as being emitters of GHG by estimated 55 percent ratified their acceptance, accession, approval. Another critical step is that Palestine joined the UN convention aligning itself with G77 and ChinA. It also submitted its instrument of accession to UNFCC.
Question: As per the climate deal released on 12th December 2015, how many of its 31 pages are legally binding?
A. 22
B. 23
C. 24
D. 21
Answer: 21
Explanation: A historic climate change deal was reached in Paris. The draft decision stipulates that USD 100 billion will be a floor and not ceiling as a fresh quantified target needs to be established by 2025. The legally binding climate deal released on 12th December 2015 forms the crux of the deal and it has 31 pages, 21 of which are legally binding once ratifieD. This text has zero dissent and India’s concerns have been met. Climate action sharing responsibilities between developed and developing countries will be addresseD. Long term goal of climate change efforts are within 2 degree celsius and efforts will be made to pursue a target of 1.5 degree C.
Question: Forest cover has decreased in which state according to the FSI?
A. HP
B. UP
C. Uttarakhand
D. None of the above
Answer: Uttarakhand
Explanation: According to a report submitted by Forest Survey of India, forest cover of Uttarakhand has lowered by 268 sq km in past two years having total area of 24,240 sq km currently. Main reason for this fall in forest cover has been described as rotational felling and diversion of forest land for development activities in the report. FSI has reported only 12 states presently and the total states will be covered by the next survey. The state of Uttarakhand has total geographical area of 53,483 sq km from which 34561 is recorded forest area.
Question: RBI data shows that unlisted companies had larger share of FDI equity capital pegged at what value?
A. INR 3,46,090 crore
B. INR 2,46,090 crore
C. INR 1,46,090 crore
D. None of the above
Answer: INR 3,46,090 crore
Explanation: RBI data has indicated unlisted companies have received larger share of FDI at INR 346090 crore at face value as against listed companies at INR 11,700 crore in 2014-2015. Share of non-financial companies in total foreign equity participation was pegged at INR 3,02,950 crore at face value as against financial companies at INR 54,840 crore as per RBI data released on 12th December. RBI also released data pertaining to Census on Foreign Liabilities and Assets of Indian Direct Investment Companies for 2014-2015. In the 2014-2015 round of the FLA census, 17642 companies reported of which 16242 companies received FDI/ODI in their balance sheet in March 2015. Equity participation has a much larger share at 94.1% than debt in total inwards FDI which was pegged at INR 19,62970 crore at market value in March 2015 was INR 15,06,260 crore a year back. Total ODI was placed at INR 5,32,010 crore at market value and was INR 5,58,080 crore a year back.
Question: Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba Group has agreed to buy which Honk Kong based newspaper?
A. South China Post
B. North China Post
C. South China Morning Post
D. None of the above
Answer: South China Morning Post
Explanation: Chinese e-commerce major Alibaba Group has agreed to purchase Hong Kong English language newspaper group, South China Morning Post. Agreement includes SCMP Group’s other media assets such as licenses to Hong Kong edition of Harper’s Bazaar and Elle. Deal is sure to raise concerns in Hong Kong where the SCMP occupies an important position in the media.
Question: Which taxi hailing app has announced a partnership with Indifi for providing personal loans to drivers?
A. Ola
B. Uber
C. Meru
D. None of the above
Answer: Ola
Explanation: Taxi hailing app Ola has announced a collaboration with Indifi to provide loan for drivers registered on the platform. Indifi is a tech start up that enables enterprises which are small to gain access to debt financing. Ola has initiated a loan scheme in the following cities-Pune, Bengaluru. It will partner multiple finance partners in the next 6 months for extension of this facility to drivers across the country.
Question: Money raised by India Inc from corporate markets was how much during the first 8 months of the current fiscal, as per GoI data?
A. INR 18,259 crore
B. INR 17,259 crore
C. INR 16,259 crore
D. None of the above
Answer: INR 18,259 crore
Explanation: Money raised by India Inc from capital markets rose by more than 4 times to INR 18259 crore during the first 8 months of the current fiscal, according to GoI data released in the Parliament. Around INR 3972 crore was raised by 41 companies in April to November of the previous fiscal, 2014-2015.
Question: Ministry of Tourism estimated Foreign Tourist Arrivals on account of nationality wise, port wise data received from Bureau of Immigration and Foreign Exchange Earnings from tourism on basis of the data received from RBI. What was the estimate of FTAs in November 2015?
A. 8.15 lakh
B. 8.14 lakh
C. 8.13 lakh
D. None of the above
Answer: 8.15 lakh
Explanation: This is as against FTA of 7.65 lakh during November 2014 and 7.34 lakh in November 2013. A growth of 6.5% in November 2015 was registered over 2014. FTAs during the period January November 2015 was 71.03 lakh with 4.5% growth as against FTAs of 67.94 lakh with growth of 10.5% in January-November 2014 over January-November 2013. Percentage share of FTAs in India in November 2015 among top 15 nations was USA (15.76%) followed by Bangladesh, UK, Canada and AustraliA. Percentage share of FTAs in India during November 2015 were among top 15 port cities at Delhi Airport, followed by Mumbai and Chennai. Foreign exchange earnings during the month of November 2015 was INR 11,610 crore as compared to INR 12,968 crore in November 2014 and INR 11,994 crore in November 2013.
Question: Index of industrial production for October 2015 stood at what percentage in an increase from the 4 month low in September?
A. 9.5%
B. 9.8%
C. 10.2%
D. 10.5%
Answer: 9.8%
Explanation: From the 4 month low touched in September, the index of industrial production stood at 9.8 percent as against 3.6 percent month-on-month. Higher than expected figure was due to re festive ramp up and growth in mining as well as electricity and favourable base. October IIP figure comes in conjunction with the November reading . Electricity generated expanded 9 percent and the mining sector grew to 4.7 percent. General index for October 2015 was pegged at 181.3 that is 9.8 percent higher compared with October 2014.
Question: A two day international conference was recently organised highlighting intercultural linkages with India and which other country on 11th December 2015?
A. Vietnam
B. Cambodia
C. Cuba
D. China
Answer: Cambodia
Explanation: Dr. M. Sharma, Minister of State for Culture and Tourism inaugurated a 2 day International Conference on India-Laos: Inter-Cultural Linkages. The conference was organised by Indira Gandhi National Centre for Art in partnership with Shri Bharatvarshiya Digambar Jain Teerth Sanrakshini Mahasabha, New Delhi, India and Laos share a common cultural heritage and the conference sought to explore linkages.
Question: The Republic of Kenya celebrates its independence day on ____ December 2015.
A. 10th
B. 11th
C. 12th
D. 13th
Answer: 12th
Explanation: President of India Shri Pranab Mukherjee extended greetings to the government and people of Republic of Kenya on the eve of the nation’s independence day (December 12, 2015). Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta is currently the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Republic of KenyA. The 52nd anniversary of this independence day was celebrated in 2015.
Question: Which online payments company has appointed Anshul Khetarpal as the CFO on 10th December 2015?
A. Paytm
B. PayPal
C. Square
D. Freecharge
Answer: Freecharge
Explanation: Anshul Khetrapal was appointed as CFO of online payments company Freecharge on 10th December 2015. He has 8 years of experience in the sector and also worked for companies like Airtel. He will craft strategies for the payments business at Freecharge and Snapdeal. Freecharge Wallet has over 10 million users and aims to reach 35 million wallets by March 2016.
Question: Bangladesh has lifted the ban on which social networking service on 10th December 2015?
A. Facebook
B. Twitter
C. WhatsApp
D. Viber
Answer: Facebook
Explanation: Bangladesh has lifted the ban on FB 3 weeks after the popular social networking service was blocked after the SC upheld death penalty of 2 opposition leaders convicted for war crimes in independence war against Pakistan in the year 1971. The bans on WhatsApp and VIber will continue for security reasons, the authorities said.
Question: Ratan Tata, Chairman Emeritus TATA Group has invested in which urban services marketplace company on 10th December 2015?
A. Urban Ladder
B. UrbanClap
C. Bluestone
D. CarDekho
Answer: UrbanClap
Explanation: Continuing the funding of his startups, well known industrialist and chairman emeritus TATA group has invested in urban services marketplace UrbanClap. The value of the investment was not disclosed to the publiC. UrbanClap is India’s largest services marketplace and it operates in 6 cities offering close to 80 services. Company also has network of 25,000 service professionals. Tata has invested in firms like Snapdeal, Kaaryah, Urban Ladder, Bluestone, CarDekho, Sabse Technologies, Xiaomi and OlA. He has also joined some VC funds such as Jungle Ventures and Kalaari Capital.
Question: COP21 released a new version of the draft text of the Paris agreement on 10th December 2015. How many options does the draft have?
A. 10
B. 11
C. 12
D. 13
Answer: 13
Explanation: French presidency of COP21 or 21st Conference of Parties on 10th December released a new and shorter version of the draft text of the Paris agreement. This 27 page draft text will be placed before negotiators now. Fresh text incorporates demand of India to recognise sustainable lifestyles and patterns of consumption and production in combating climate change. The new draft is an improved version with 50 brackets and 13 options. The deal will be sealed in New York in April 22, 2016 if all goes well.
Question: Complete ban has been placed on the use of which material from Gomukhi to Haridwar along the Ganga river w.e.f February 1st by NGT?
A. Rubber
B. Plastic
C. PUC
D. Both b and c
Answer: Both b and c
Explanation: A complete ban has been placed on the use of plastic of any kind from Gomukhi to Haridwar along the Ganga river w.e.f February 1st according to the NGT while a penalty of INR 5000 has been imposed on hotels, dharamshalas and ashrams which violate the order. The green panel also divided the cleaning campaign of the river into different segments namely Gomukhi to Haridwar, Haridwar to Kanpur, Kanpur to border of Uttar Pradesh, border of Uttar Pradesh to border of Jharkhand and border of Jharkhand to Bay of Bengal. Apart from plastic ban, NGT has also prohibited the throwing of municipal, construction and demolition waste into the river. The bench also said that seriously polluting industries operating without the consent of the Uttarakhand Environment Protection and Pollution Control Board shall be closed with immediate effect.
Question: GoI has collected how many crores through cess imposed on petrol and diesel in the previous financial year 2014?
A. INR 21054
B. INR 20054
C. INR 31054
D. INR 30354
Answer: INR 21054
Explanation: GoI has collected INR 21,054 crore through the cess imposed on petrol and diesel in the previous financial year closing March 2015. The collection is higher by 22% as against INR 17330.87 crore collected in 2013-2014.
Question: India has been projected as the fastest growing economy with growth at the rate of ___ percent by 2016. according to the UN WESP report.
A. 7.3
B. 8.3
C. 7.8
D. 8.8
Answer: 7.3
Explanation: At 7.3% in 2016, India will remain the fastest growing economy in the times to come according to the United National World Economic Situations and Prospects/WESP report 2016. India is projected to record 7.3% economic growth in 2016 and 7.5% in 2017. India’s rival in South Asia is China which will see the slowdown in growth from 6.8 in 2015 to 6.4 percent in 2016. Report also indicated world economy will only see modest improvements in 2016-2017 as cyclical and structural headwinds persist.
Question: India and the UK have launched a joint initiative in New Delhi on 9th December 2015. What is it called?
A. 2016: UK India Year of Research
B. 2016: India-UK Year of Education
C. 2016: UK-India Year of Education and Research
D. 2016 India-UK Year of Educational Research
Answer: 2016: UK-India Year of Education and Research
Explanation: 2016 is being celebrated as the year of education and research between India and the UK. The importance of mobility of students and faculty has been expressed under the GIAN program whereby more UK academics will be able to visit IndiA. The mutual research areas to be picked could be one of the top 10 priority areas under IMPRINT (Impacting Research Innovation and Technology).
Question: International Anti-Corruption Day was observed worldwide on which day?
A. 8th December
B. 9th December
C. 10th December
D. 11th December
Answer: 9th December
Explanation: The International Anti-Corruption Day was observed across the world on 9th December 2015. The theme was Break the Corruption chain. The day was held to create public awareness about what people can do to fight corruption. UNDP and UNODC are the main bodies which oversaw the observance of this day. This day is being celebrated since 2003 when the United Nations Convention Against Corruption was adopted.
Question: US House of Representatives has passed which Act on 8th December 2015 for imposing restrictions on people who have visited Iraq, Syria and countries listed as supporting terrorism to travel without a visa in the US?
A. Visa Waiver Program Improvement Act, 2015
B. Visa Waiver Program Implementation Act 2015
C. Visa Waiver Act 2015
D. Visa Program Improvement Act 2015
Answer: Visa Waiver Program Improvement Act, 2015
Explanation: US House of representatives on 8th December 2015 passed the Visa Waiver Program Improvement Act of 2015 amending the US visa travel practices. Votes were 407 in favour of the Bill which imposes restrictions on persons who have visited Iraq, Syria and countries supporting terrorism to travel visa free in the United States. Bill will also bar people who traveled after March 1 2011 to Iraq, Syria, Sudan and Iran from participating in the visa free program. Biometric passports will now be issued to such persons as well.
Question: FIFA has signed an 8 year partnership with which company for the Club World Cup indicating the vast marketing potential of China?
A. Alibaba E-Auto
B. Alibaba E-Commerce
C. Baidu
D. None of the above
Answer: Alibaba E-Auto
Explanation: The deal has been signed for the Club World Cup reflecting the massive marketing potential of ChinA. Marketing director Thierry Weil made the announcement regarding the deal with the car manufacturing brand of the popular e-commerce major. The Club World Cup features the leading clubs from FIFA’s six continental confederations.
Question: Who has been named Times Person of the Year in 2015?
A. Desmond Tutu
B. Donald Trump
C. Tony Blair
D. Angela Merkel
Answer: Angela Merkel
Explanation: Time magazine has honoured German Chancellor Angela Merkel as Person of the Year 2015. The German Chancellor’s leadership helped to preserve and promote EU without borders. IS leader Al-Baghdadi and Republican presidential aspirant Donald Trump were also among the 8 candidates shortlisted for the honour. PM Narendra Modi, RIL chairman Mukesh Ambani and Google’s Sundar Pichai were among the contenders for this annual honour prior to the final shortlist.
Question: Name Japan’s maiden mission which has zoomed successfully into the Venusian orbit on 9th December 2015
A. Akatsuki
B. Kakatsuki
C. Makatsuki
D. None of the above
Answer: Akatsuki
Explanation: Following its first failure on December 6, 2010, Japan’s maiden mission to Venus, Akatsuki or Venus Climate Orbiter has zoomed into the Venusian orbit according to Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency Jaxa.
Question: India’s merchandise export for the year 2014 was valued at USD ___ billion against USD 314 billion in the previous year, according to an UNCTAD report.
A. 313
B. 321
C. 341
D. 351
Answer: 321
Explanation: The total merchandise export has been valued at USD 321 billion as against USD 314 billion in the year before this, as per an UNCTAD report. Report indicated that international service exports constituted 21% of the total global exports valued at slightly more than USD 5 trillion in 2014. This was a growth of around 5% over the previous year. Total global exports for 2014 stood at USD 24 trillion which is up by 1.2 percent as against the previous year. According to the Handbook of Statistics published by UNCTAD, service exports from developed and developing economies expanded at 5.2 and 4.8 percent respectively in 2014.
Question: Which ace shuttler won the Female Player of the Year award from BWF President P.E. Hoyer in Dubai on 7th December 2015?
A. Carolina Marin
B. Saina Nehwal
C. P.V.Sindhu
D. None of the above
Answer: Carolina Marin
Explanation: All England and World Champion Carolina Marin has beaten ace Indian shutter Saina Nehwal to win the Female Player of the Year award from BWF. Marin, the winner of five World Superseries titles, held off competition from China's Zhao Yunlei, Saina and China's Bao Yixin. China’s Chen Long won the Male Player of the Year awarD. Korea’s Le Sam Seop and Norwegian Helle Sofia Sagoy won Para Badminton Player of the Year award in male and female categories while Zheng Si Wei won the most promising player of the year.
Question: Which country has replaced Mauritius as the top source of FDI into India, according to DIPP, Ministry of Commerce and Industry?
A. Singapore
B. Japan
C. China
D. Australia
Answer: Singapore
Explanation: Singapore replaced Mauritius as top source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into India during April-September of 2015-16 financial year, as per an announcement made by the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion of Ministry of Commerce and industry. Between April to September 15 2015, India has received INR 43096 crore as FDI from Singapore during the same period, FDI from Mauritius was INR 23490 crore. Netherlands occupied the third spot while the US came fourth.
Question: India’s total export of IT, ITeS and BPO services grew by how much in 2014-2015, according to RBI data?
A. 14.8%
B. USD 82 billion
C. Both of the above
D. Neither a nor b
Answer: Both of the above
Explanation: India’s total exports of the IT, ITeS and BPO services grew by 14.8% to USD 82 billion/INR 5.01 lakh crore in the year 2014-2015, as per RBI datA. RBI also said in the Survey on Computer Software and IT enabled Services Exports: 2014-2015 that exports of computer services grew 72% and 28% for computer services and ITeS/BPO roughly. Public limited companies constitute 55.6% and as per RBI survey, US and Canada will persist in being major destinations, accounting for 60% of total software services export in 2014-2015.
Question: Iran has replaced which country as the fifth largest crude oil supplier in the first half of 2015-2016, according to GoI data?
A. Kuwait
B. Bahrain
C. UAE
D. None of the above
Answer: Kuwait
Explanation: Iran has replaced Kuwait to become the fifth largest crude oil supplier in the first half of fiscal 2015-2016, selling over 6.5 million tons of oil. Iran is also the second biggest supplier of crude oil after Saudi Arabia till the year 2010-2011. India is dependent on imports to meet needs to the tune of 80%.
Question: United Launch Alliance Atlas V carrying the ____ cargo space craft has left for ISS on 6th December 2015.
A. O3-4 Cygnus
B. OB-4 Cygnus
C. OA-4 Cygnus
D. None of the above
Answer: OA-4 Cygnus
Explanation: A United Launch Alliance Atlas V (401 configuration) rocket carrying the OA-4 Cygnus cargo spacecraft with much needed supplies blasted off towards the International Space Station (ISS) on 6th December 2015. Rocket was launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and it will be the first US delivery of cargo since April 2015.
Question: Who has been appointed as Corporate President to lead new initiatives by taxi aggregator Ola on 7th December 2015?
A. Joy Pednekar
B. Koy Nadekar
C. Joy Bandekar
D. None of the above
Answer: Joy Bandekar
Explanation: Taxi aggregator platform Ola on 7th December appointed Joy Bandekar as Corporate President to lead new initiatives. He has over 20 years of experience and joined Ola from Flipkart. He has also worked with organisations such as RIL, Maxworth Orchards and Atcom Technologies. Recently, it also hired Rajiv Bansal to head its finance operations.
Question: Titan has appointed three directors on the board of its new JV with which company?
A. Maison Montrouge
B. Maison Montblanc
C. Maison Informatique
D. None of the above
Answer: Maison Montblanc
Explanation: Titan has appointed 3 directors including MD Bhaskar Bhat on board its new JV with Maison Montblanc which aims to carry out single brand retail trading of the products in IndiA. The other two people appointed on the board are Co CEO S. Ravi Kant and Independent Director Ireen Vittal. Appointment is as per agreement between partners under which Titan has appointed three of six directors in a BSE filing. JV has “equity participation pursuant to FIPB approval in the ratio of 51:49 by Montblanc Services BV and Titan Co Ltd, respectively, as per the filing. The equity share capital of the JV company after allotment on December 5, 2015 is Rs. 41.50 crore comprising 4.15 crore shares of Rs.10 each, the company saiD. Montblanc is entering India again to open 5 boutiques within the next 3 months. Titan is a JV between TATA group and Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corp.
Question: IDFC has inked a pact with which IT services major for core banking solutions on 7th December 2015?
A. TCS
B. Infosys
C. Cognizant
D. HP
Answer: TCS
Explanation: IDFC Bank has inked a pact with IT services major Tata Consultancy Services to use TCS BaNCS for its core banking solutions. Around 23 branches will be powered by this core banking solution. TCS has deployed more than 300 similar projects across the globe.
Question: NIIT has entered into an educational partnership with which IT major on 7th December 2015?
A. HP
B. Infosys
C. Wipro
D. TCS
Answer: HP
Explanation: They have entered into strategic partnership to offer 'Post Graduate Certificate Program' in software testing that enable learners to apply key testing skills and practices using HP tools. Software apps, especially on cloud serve numerous end users. As per NASSCOM, the software testing outsourcing market is expected to grow from $30 billion in 2010 to $50 billion in 2020 worldwide and India is expected to be the biggest gainers.
Question: In a major breakthrough, Columbia Engineering researchers have harnessed the _________ machinery of living systems to power integrated circuits.
A. Molecular
B. Cellular
C. Both of the above
D. None of the above
Answer: Molecular
Explanation: They worked towards integrating a conventional solid-state complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) integrated circuit with an artificial lipid bilayer membrane containing adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-powered ion pumps.Within living systems, ATP is used to transport energy from where it is generated to where it is consumed in the cell. The innovation has opened the door for new artificial systems containing biological and solid state components.
Question: APSSDC and which business group have joined hands to skill youth in areas such as cybersecurity and data analytics?
A. ASSOCHAM
B. NASSCOM
C. FICCI
D. None of the above
Answer: NASSCOM
Explanation: Andhra Pradesh State Skill Development Corporation (APSSDC) and National Association of Software and Services Companies (Nasscom) have joined hands to skill youth in areas like cybersecurity and data analytics. Around 36 institutions across AP will be partnering the initiative and have nominated faculty members for the program. IT security market is pegged at USD 77 billion worldwide in 2015 and growing at a rate of 8% each year. Demand for security workforce is to rise globally to 6 million by 2019, up from 4 million currently, with projected shortfall of 1.5 million.
Question: Which country has issued the first ever red alert for smog on 7th December 2015 urging schools to close and invoking restrictions on factories and traffic that will keep half of the city's vehicles off the roads?
A. China
B. Japan
C. India
D. None of the above
Answer: China
Explanation: The red alert which is the most serious warning on a 4 tier system adopted in recent times was announced on 7th December 2015. Authorities have forecasted more than 3 consecutive days of severe smog. Reading of PM 2.5 rose to 300 micrograms per cubic meter on this day.
Question: Which open access online educator has announced a partnership with TATA Trusts for free online education?
A. Khan academy
B. Education academy
C. Student academy
D. NIIT
Answer: Khan academy
Explanation: Leading open access online educators, Khan Academy have announced a 5 year, not for profit partnership with TATA Trust to provide free online education for the Indian market. US based Salman Khan is the founder of this initiative. This partnership will provide guidance to students on Indian languages and subject matter in NCERT textbooks in regional languages.
Question: Online classified portals Quikr has acquired a real estate analytics platform on December 6th 2015. What is it called?
A. RealtyCompass
B. RealtyMind
C. RealtyPlay
D. None of the above
Answer: RealtyCompass
Explanation: Online classifieds portal Quikr has acquired a real estate analytics platform RealtyCompass which enables customers and investors to be involved in the decision making process through provision of builder ratings and project analysis. RealtyCompass was founded in 2013 by N. Bhandari, S. Srinivasan and A. Mishra and will now be part of QuikrHomes.
Question: Which online payments and commerce company has acquired Gurgaon based Near.in on 6th December 2015?
A. PayPal
B. Square
C. Paytm
D. None of the above
Answer: Paytm
Explanation: Online e-commerce and payments company Paytm has acquired Near.in in a consolidation in the local and home services market. With this acquisition, Gurgaon based Near.in is in line with the strategy of the payment company to strengthen online to offline play. Near.in has raised seed funding from well known entrepreneurs such as Anupam Mittal and vanish Vij.
Question: Mangrove cover in Maharashtra has risen by what percentage since 2013, according to the Forest Survey of India?
A. 20
B. 30
C. 40
D. 50
Answer: 20
Explanation: Biennial survey conducted by the Forest Survey of India, Dehradun has found that the mangrove cover in the state, which remained static at 186 sq km between 2005 and 2013 has reached 222 sq km. This is the biggest rise in mangrove cover recorded by any Indian state in the 2 year period from 2013 to 2015.
Question: Forest cover in which state(s) have shown an increase in the last two years, according to Forest Survey of India?
A. TN
B. WB
C. Kerala
D. Both a and c
Answer: Both a and c
Explanation: Forest cover in UP has shown a marginal rise within the past two years, as per latest report of Forest Survey of IndiA. Report indicated that India’s forest cover rose by 3775 square km since 2013 taking the total to 701,673 sq km equalling 70.17 mha or 21.34% of the nation’s geographical areA. Increased forest cover was observed in the following states : Kerala, TN, J&K and KarnatakA. As against 2013, there has been a rise of 572 sq km in dense forest area and 30 sq km in open forest in the current year, while the area of moderately dense forest fell by 490 sq km. UP also entered the Guinness Book of World Records for planting the highest number of saplings in a single day.
Question: A recent survey conducted by Ernst and Young has shown which country to be the top FDI destination during the first half of 2015?
A. China
B. Japan
C. India
D. None of the above
Answer: India
Explanation: A recent survey conducted by Ernst & Young has found India is the top FDI destination during the first half of 2015. The survey entitled “Ready, Set, Group: EY’s 2015 India Attractiveness Survey” has sown increased investor interest in the nation. Close to 500 international leaders from numerous organisations worldwide were part of the survey. Close to 32% of the voters polled India as the most attractive FDI destination.
Question: China’s first domestically developed electricity powered aircraft was approved for production on 4th December 2015. What is it called?
A. RC1E
B. RD1E
C. RX1E
D. None of the above
Answer: RX1E
Explanation: RX1E was approved for production on December 4th 2015 by the Civil Aviation Administration of ChinA. This electric light sport aircraft was put together by Shenyang Aerospace University and will be the first manned electric light aircraft of ChinA. This two seater plane is powered by lithium batteries.
Question: Recent decision by Defence Ministry allows women air force pilots in IAF on an experimental basis for how many years?
A. 3
B. 5
C. 7
D. 9
Answer: 5
Explanation: The Defence Ministry has taken the decision to allow women fighter pilots in the Indian Air Force on a temporary basis for a period of 5 years. In October, the Defence Ministry had made the announcement that women would be allowed into combat roles for the first time, commencing with the Air Force.
Question: Punjab is going to set up its ___ Pay Commission to provide recommendations for new pay scales for employees.
A. 3rd
B. 4th
C. 5th
D. 6th
Answer: 6th
Explanation: The new commission will have the mandate to provide recommendations regarding new pay scales for employees. The 6th Punjab Pay Commission’s composition, terms and conditions will be finalised shortly by the State Personnel Department. New pay commission will provide recommendations with regard to new pay scales for employees and revision for pensioners.
Question: Researchers have found where water ions escape from an ion exhaust out of the atmosphere of which planet?
A. Pluto
B. Mars
C. Saturn
D. Neptune
Answer: Saturn
Explanation: Scientists have found how water ions escape from the environment of Saturn after a point has been located from where the ions leave the planet’s atmosphere. Cassini has been in orbit collecting data since 2004 regarding this planet. An instrument on this space probe measures the charged particles called plasma trapped in space surrounding Saturn through a magnetic fielD. Cassini had earlier discovered that Saturn’s plasma comprises water ions derived from its moon Enceladus. The scientists also discovered reconnection, a holy grail of plasma physics.
Question: Indian offspinner launched India’s first every comprehensive sports platform on 5th December 2015. What is it called?
A. BookMyMatch
B. BookMySports
C. BookAMatch
D. BookASports
Answer: BookMySports
Explanation: Indian offspinner Harbhajan SIngh launched the first every comprehensive sports platform BookMySports which serves as an interface between the Indian public and their access to sports facilities and organising the tournaments. This product is especially relevant for metros where there is less time and space to engage in sports.
Question: Negotiators from how many countries delivered a blueprint on 5th December 2015 for saving mankind from historic global warming?
A. 193
B. 195
C. 197
D. 200
Answer: 195
Explanation: 195 nations delivered a blueprint for a pact for saving mankind from global warming raising hopes of a historic agreement in Paris. Planned deal will break the dependence of the world on fossil fuel energy. Around 50 personalities indicated that they would fight climate change including US actor Sean Penn and Internet tycoon from China, Jack Ma.
Question: Which bill was recently passed by the Delhi Assembly providing for an ombudsman with the power to act against government functionaries including those belonging to the Centre on 5th December 2015?
A. Jan Lokpal Bill
B. Delhi School Education (Amendment) Bill (DSEAA)
C. Delhi School (Verification of Accounts and Refund of Excess Fee) Bill
D. All of the above
Answer: Jan Lokpal Bill
Explanation: Delhi Assembly has passed the Jan Lokpal Bill which provides for an ombudsman to act against government functionaries including those of the Centre, which was a tribute to veteran activist Anna Hazare.The bill received 64 votes in favour in a 70 member Delhi Assembly. The Bill has also made provision for one additional HC judge, one eminent person and a former chairperson in the selection panel for the Jan Lokpal. As per the Bill, the impeachment process for the removal will commence only after HC monitors probe against Lokpal. As per provisions of the Bill, Lokpal can even probe corruption against Union Ministers and central government officials in Delhi/NCR.
Question: Scientists have found the faintest object ever seen in the early universe around ____ million years following the Big Bang.
A. 200
B. 300
C. 400
D. 500
Answer: 400
Explanation: Through the combined power of Hubble and Spitzer space telescopes, scientists have unearthed the faintest object seen in the universe which existed 400 million years following the big Ban 13.8 billion years ago. The object has been named Tayna which stands for "first-born" in Aymara, a language spoken in the Andes and Altiplano regions of South AmericA. This object represents a fainter class of newly forming galaxies which had escaped detection till now. The remote object is part of a discovery of 22 young galaxies at ancient times located nearly at the observable horizon of the universe.
Question: India will attain a larger green cover as per which report according to environment minister Prakash Javdekar?
A. India State of Forest Report 2015
B. India Forest Report 2015
C. Indian Forestry Report 2015
D. None of the above
Answer: India State of Forest Report 2015
Explanation: India will attain larger green cover and more potential for carbon absorption as part of the INDC or Intended Nationally Determined Contributions as the India State of Forest Report 2015 was releaseD. As per the INDC, India has committed the creation of additional carbon sink for 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO2 equal to 2030 through a planned afforestation drive. In INDC, a target of 250 crore tonnes of carbon sink will be created.
Question: Indian startups raised how much money in the first quarter of the current fiscal in terms of USD billion?
A. 1.3
B. 1.7
C. 2.3
D. 2.7
Answer: 1.7
Explanation: Startups have raised USD 1.7 billion in Q1 of 2015 according to the telecom ministry. This is 300 percent more than USD 450 million raised during the first quarter of 2014. Modi tackled lack of coherent policy framework to support innovation and induce inclusive development.
Question: Gold Monetisation scheme has been declared as _______ by FinMin
A. Voluntary
B. Involuntary
C. Mandatory
D. Both b and c
Answer: Voluntary
Explanation: Gold Monetisation Scheme is considered purely voluntary for individuals and institutions and they can make their own decision for monetising gold held by them. This is in response to reports that government will directly intervene to monetise gold held by charitable, religious and other institutions.
Question: A planet has the potential to produce ________ with energy equivalent to a billion megaton bombs, which may severely disrupt power grids and communication systems on the Earth, a new study has found.
A. Solar flares
B. Super flares
C. Hydrogen flares
D. Helium flares
Answer: Super flares
Explanation: UK researchers discovered stellar superflare on a star with wave patterns similar to those that have been observed in solar flares. Found in the Milky Way , the binary star, KIC9655129, is known to produce superflare. Researchers suggest due to the similarities between the superflare on KIC9655129 and the Sun's solar flares, the underlying physics of the flares might be the same.
Question: According to scientists, which is the hardest known material known to man?
A. Graphite
B. Diamond
C. Q-carbon
D. C-carbon
Answer: Q-carbon
Explanation: Diamond was once the hardest known naturally occurring material. Carbon has been used with a new process to create a substance called Q-carbon which is harder than diamond and graphite. This showcases the third phase or distinct form of carbon alongside graphite and diamonD. The process of creating Q-carbon produces minuscule synthetic diamond "seeds," which can yield gems. Opportunities for creating synthetic gemstones pales next to possible applications of Q-carbon which the researchers said is magnetic, fluorescent and electroconductive.
Question: Flipkart has acquired a strategic minority stake in which online company?
A. Snapdeal
B. Mantra
C. MapmyIndia
D. None of the above
Answer: MapmyIndia
Explanation: Flipkart has acquired a strategic minority stake in online digital map platform for GPS navigation called MapmyIndiA. Early financial investors Nexus Venture Partners and Lightbox Ventures will exit this company following this investment. Acquisition of this company’s stake will boost Flipkart’s logistics operations.
Question: Richest ___ of people produce 50% of the carbon emissions on earth, as per an estimate by Oxfam.
A. 6%
B. 7%
C. 8%
D. 10%
Answer: 10%
Explanation: Richest 10% of people produce half of the carbon emissions on earth, while the 50% poorest contribute a mere 10%, according to UK charity Oxfam. Richest 10% have carbon footprint which is 11 times that of poorest 3.5 billion persons on the planet. The biggest challenge facing climate change initiatives is funding for developing nations.
Question: Sugar production was up ___ at 23.6 LT in October-November 2015, according to ISMA.
A. 23%
B. 24%
C. 25%
D. 26%
Answer: 24%
Explanation: Sugar production has been notched up 24% at 23.6 LT in October-November according to ISMA. ISMA sugar production rose 24% on account of higher output from MaharashtrA. Sugar export from India which is the world’s second largest producer and biggest consumer was pegged at 1.75 lakh tonnes during October to November. As per market reports, around 4 lakh tonnes of contracts for exports have been finalised, mostly as white sugar, and around 1.75 lakh tonnes of sugar exports have taken place since October one, 2015, ISMA also said.
Question: RBI released revised priority sector lending guidelines for ___________ banks on 3rd December 2015.
A. Scheduled
B. Commercial
C. Regional Rural
D. Agricultural
Answer: Regional Rural
Explanation: RBI has released revised priority sector lending guidelines for regional rural banks as per new norms, according to which 18% of outstanding will have to be advanced to agricultural activities. A target of 7.5 percent of total outstanding is to be diverted into micro enterprises and another 15% for weaker sections. New norms will be implemented from January 1, 2015.
Question: Which bank has won the Bank of the Year award in UK on 3rd December 2015?
A. Yes Bank
B. HDFC Bank
C. ICICI Bank
D. None of the above
Answer: Yes Bank
Explanation: Yes Bank has won Bank of the year award in the UK given by Banker’s magazine and regarded as the Oscars of the banking industry. Yes Bank is only 11 years olD. Previous winners of this award were large banks. For winning this award, banks from 120 nations were evaluated on numerous parameters such financial figures, technology, innovation, performance and marketing initiatives.
Question: Boeing has announced the setting up of a facility in Telangana for making fuselage for Apache helicopters with which company in a JV?
A. TASL
B. TCS
C. Honeywell
D. None of the above
Answer: TASL
Explanation: In a major step forward for the Telangana aerospace sector, Minister of IT K. T. Rama Rao has announced the setting up of a facility on the outskirts of the city to create fuselage for Apache helicopters in a collaboration between Boeing India and TASL.
Question: Country’s third largest software firm will acquire German IT consulting firm Cellent AG for INR 518 crore. Which company is this?
A. TCS
B. Cognizant
C. Infosys
D. Wipro
Answer: Wipro
Explanation: The third largest software services company Wipro will acquire German IT consulting company Cellent AG for INR 518 crore. The all cash deal will conclude in March 2016, according to a BSE filing by the company. The agreement has been signed with Landesbank Baden-Wuerttemberg (LBBW) to acquire Cellent AG for 73.5 million euros. Wipro subsidiary Wipro Cyprus is making the acquisition which will provide significant scale for the company in the DACH region (Austria, Germany and Switzerland). The German company founded in 2002 has 8 offices in Germany, 2 in Austria and 1 in Switzerland.
Question: Finnish telecom group Nokia shareholders have approved the acquisition by the company of which firm/rival group?
A. Vodafone
B. British Telecom
C. Alcatel Lucent
D. None of the above
Answer: Alcatel Lucent
Explanation: Shareholders in a Finnish telecom company Nokia have approved purchase of French American rival group Alcatel Lucent. The shareholders backed the merger plan sans a vote as none of the shareholders present raised objections. Nokia is currently a leading mobile telephone maker and the combined revenue with Alcatel Lucent stands at USD 26.5 billion.
Question: A massive coalition of nations have announced which pact to make water systems more resilient to climate impacts?
A. Paris Pact on Water Management
B. Paris Pact on Water Management and Climate Change Adaptation
C. Paris Pact on Water and Climate Change Adaptation
D. Paris Pact on Water Management and Climate Change
Answer: Paris Pact on Water and Climate Change Adaptation
Explanation: A massive coalition of nations including India, river basin organisations and business as well as civil societies from around the world have announced the Paris Pact on Water and Climate Change Adaptation to make water systems more resilient to climate impacts. This represents USD 20 million in technical assistance and USD 1 billion in financing. India has committed improvement in the ground water management of the nation as part of this pact. The announcement was part of the "Water Resilience Focus" event under the Lima to Paris Action Agenda (LPAA) on climate change which is a joint undertaking of the Peruvian and French COP (conference of parties) presidencies, the Office of the secretary-general of the United Nations and the UNFCCC Secretariat.
Question: World AIDS Day was observed on which day?
A. 30th November
B. 1st December
C. 2nd December
D. 3rd December
Answer: 1st December
Explanation: The day was observed across the globe with the theme “Getting to zero: End AIDS by 2030”. Federal theme for the day was “The Time to Act is Now.” Both themes comply with fast-track strategy of UNAIDS, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, to end the AIDs epidemic by 2030 and ensure the averting of 21 million AIDSs-related deaths, 28 million new HIV infections and 5.9 million new infections among children by 2030. Idea to observe World AIDS day was first proposed by Bunn and Netter in 1987.
Question: Aricent has partnered which foundation to launch its employability program?
A. ASSOCHAM
B. FICCI
C. NASSCOM
D. None of the above
Answer: NASSCOM
Explanation: Product engineering services firm, Aricent, has partnered with Nasscom Foundation to launch “Aricent Employability Programme.” This is a CSR initiative to create employability opportunities for 2,500 engineering graduates. The programme will be offered to under graduate students across Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Delhi NCR and Rajasthan, company officials said.
Question: Who has been elected as the new president of Burkina Faso on 1st December 2015?
A. R. M. C. Kabore
B. Roch March Christian Kabore
C. Both a and b are the same
D. Z. Diabre
Answer: Both a and b are the same
Explanation: The preliminary results of the Burkina Faso election provided Roch March Christian Kabore with an outright win. He is the winner of the freest election since this West African country won independence from France in 1960, dedicated his victory to those who died overthrowing strongman Blaise Compaore last year and during a failed military coup in September. Kabore avoided a runoff by winning 53 percent of the vote. Second closest contender Diabre had nearly 30 percent of the vote, according to preliminary results. Fourteen candidates took part in presidential elections.
Question: Scientists have uncovered a rare fossil of which dinosaur that roamed earth up to 100 million years ago?
A. Ceratopsis
B. T-rex
C. Laramidia
D. None of the above
Answer: Ceratopsis
Explanation: Scientists have discovered a rare fossil of a dog sized horned dinosaur in eastern Northern America which roamed the earth 100 million years ago. Fossil identified by University of Bath researchers have found a east west divide in North American dinosaur evolution. During the Late Cretaceous period, 66-100 million years ago, the land mass that is now North America was divided in two continents by a shallow sea, the Western Interior Seaway, which ran from the Gulf of Mexico to the Arctic Ocean. Dinosaurs lived in the western continent called Laramidia were similar to those found in AsiA. Fossils from the lost continent of Appalachia have been lower with the exception of this are fossil found to belong to the horned dinosaurs Ceratopsis. The study highlights it as the first fossil from a ceratopsian dinosaur identified from this period of eastern North America.
Question: Researchers from Johns Hopkins University have discovered a method to turn human stem cells into _______ cells that transmit visual signals from the eye to the brain.
A. Brain nerve
B. Retinal nerve
C. Spinal cord
D. None of the above
Answer: Retinal nerve
Explanation: Death and dysfunction of the retinal never cells cause loss of sight in conditions like glaucoma and multiple sclerosis (MS). Stem cells can now be converted into retinal never cells and this could lead to the development of cell transplant therapies that restore vision in patients with glaucoma and MS. Through a genome editing laboratory tool, investigators inserted a fluorescent protein gene into the stem cells’ DNA using a method called called fluorescence-activated cell sorting to separate newly differentiated retinal ganglion (nerve) cells from a mixture of different cells into a highly purified cell population for the study.
Question: Which fruit’s fossilized remains have been discovered for the first time on December 1st 2015?
A. Peaches
B. Mangoes
C. Bananas
D. Apples
Answer: Peaches
Explanation: A Chinese professor made the first discovery of fossilized peaches. The discovery was made in Kunming, capital of Yunnan in southwest ChinA. The fossils were found to be dating back to more than 2.5 million years. This sheds new light on the evolutionary history of peaches which were thought to have originated in China.
Question: A new study suggests at University of Barcelona, Spain that fish show consciousness and emotions. What is the exact term of this manifestation?
A. Emotional high
B. Emotional fever
C. Emotional neurosis
D. None of the above
Answer: Emotional fever
Explanation: Fish have been found to display emotional fever or slight rise in body temperature in stressful situations linked by emotions and consciousness. Researchers from University of Barcelona and Stirling as well as Bristol have observed an increase in body temperature of 2-4 degrees in zebra fish when subject to stress. Phenomenon is known as emotional fever and is related to what animals feel in face of external stimulus.
Question: India’s Q2 GDP was pegged at ____ percent compared to 7% in the previous quarter.
A. 7.3
B. 7.4
C. 7.5
D. 7.6
Answer: 7.4
Explanation: India’s second quarter GDP grew at 7.4 percent as against 7% in the previous quarter boosted by a nominal increase in agriculture sector growth, which stood at 2.2 percent, compared to 1.9 percent QoQ. Mining sector grew at 3.2 percent versus 4 percent while manufacturing growth stood at 9.3 percent, compared to 7.9 percent QoQ.Growth in output of India's eight "core" sectors for the month of October was flat at 3.2 percent due to drop in crude oil and steel production. The growth remain unchanged when compared to the month of August. The eight core sector industries include coal, crude oil, natural gas, refinery products, fertiliser, steel, cement and electricity.
Question: India receives USD _________billion FDI in Oct-Sep period 2015.
A. 32.63
B. 32.85
C. 32.87
D. 32.89
Answer: 32.87
Explanation: Sectors which attracted FDI in this period comprise computer software and hardware, services sector, trading, automobile, construction activities, chemicals, power, pharmaceuticals, industrial machinery and food processing. In the defence and railway related components, the country received only USD 0.08 million (INR 0.48 crore) and USD 23.2 million (INR 146.65 crore) FDI during the October-September perioD. Retail trading attracted USD 70.75 million investment in this period.
Question: India has imported how many LT of pulses till September 2015, according to estimates by Commerce and Industry Ministry?
A. 22.35
B. 22.36
C. 22.37
D. None of the above
Answer: 22.37
Explanation: India has imported 23.7 LT of pulses till September at USD 1612 mn till September in the current fiscal. During the April-September period, maximum inward shipments of lentils came from Canada at 9.30 lakh tonnes, followed by 5.52 lakh tonnes from Myanmar and 2.23 lakh tonnes from AustraliA. In 2015, the price of pulses touched a high of INR 210 per kg.
Question: Japan is set to give India development assistance loan worth how much for Chennai and Ahmedabad Metro projects?
A. INR 5479 crore
B. INR 4410 crore
C. INR 5000 crore
D. None of the above
Answer: INR 5479 crore
Explanation: Japan will provide development assistance loan worth INR 5479 crore for Chennai and Ahmedabad Metro development projects. An agreement has been signed for JPY 19.981 billion (about Rs 1,069 crore) for the Chennai Metro Rail Project (IV) and JPY 82.434 billion (about Rs 4,410 crore) for Ahmedabad Metro Project.
Question: Government has granted in principle approval to 20 NIMZs. What is the full form of NIMZ?
A. National Indian Manufacturing Zones
B. National Investment and Manufacturing Zones
C. National Investing and Manufacturing Zones
D. None of the above
Answer: National Investment and Manufacturing Zones
Explanation: Government has granted in principle approval to 20 National Investment and Manufacturing Zones, 12 of which are located outside DMIC namely:
1. Nagpur, Maharashtra;
2. Tumkur, Karnataka;
3. Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh;
4. Prakasam, Andhra Pradesh;
5. Medak, Telangana;
6. Kolar, Karnataka;
7. Bidar, Karnataka;
8. Gulbarga, Karnataka;
9. Jajpur, Odisha;
10. Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu;
11. Auraiya, Uttar Pradesh
12. Jhansi, UP
Question: FDI up to ___% is now permitted in e-commerce companies provided such firms engage in B2B e-commerce.
A. 50
B. 75
C. 100
D. 95
Answer: 100
Explanation: FDI up to 100% under the automatic route has been permitted in companies providing B2B e-commerce. Such entities will only be permitted to undertake retail trading through e-commerce under the following circumstances:
- Manufacturer will sell products manufactured in India through e-commerce retail
- Single brand retail trading entity operating via brick and mortar stores will undertaken retail trading through e-commerce
- India manufacturers will only be able to sell own single brand products via e-commerce retail
Question: Global Innovation index released by Cornell University, INSEAD and WIPO on 30th November 2015 has placed India at which rank in 2015?
A. 79
B. 80
C. 81
D. 82
Answer: 81
Explanation: Global Innovation Index/GII released by INSEAD, World Intellectual Property Organisation and Cornell University and their knowledge partners like CII has placed india at rank 81 in 2015. India ranked 76 in 2014 and 66 in 2013. It was rank 64 in 2012. GII covers 141 nations across the world and uses 79 indicators across numerous themes. Rankings are based on data collected during earlier years.
Question: Which state has joined the UDAY scheme most recently on 19th December 2015?
A. MP
B. WB
C. Karnataka
D. UP
Answer: UP
Explanation: State Cabinet of Uttar Pradesh has approved state’s participation in UDAY/ Ujwal Discom Assurance YojanA. 11 states so far have joined the UDAY scheme namely
Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh, Jammu & Kashmir , Jharkhand , Gujarat , Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan.
Question: IIT-Roorkee has conducted research indicating that emissions from vehicles in Delhi have increased close to ____ times between 1991 and 2011.
A. 2
B. 3
C. 4
D. 5
Answer: 3
Explanation: An 8 year study conducted by IIT Roorkee, University of Minnesota and University of Surrey have shown that emissions from vehicles in Delhi rose up to 3 times between 1991 and 2011. This is projected to rise by 19 times by 2020. Private vehicles emissions have increased by 2 to 12 times in 2011 and 2 to 16 times in 2015 over 1991 levels.
Question: Which recipient of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1982 passed away recently?
A. Sai. K Ganesh
B. Kolanka Anil Kumar
C. Chatla Sriramulu
D. Satyaprakash
Answer: Chatla Sriramulu
Explanation: Noted writer and theatre artist Chatla Sriramulu passed away on 18th December 2015 at Telangana following a brief illness at 84. He hailed from Vijaywada city. He was critical in the establishment of popular literary and cultural organisation Rasaranjani and awarded the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1982. He was the first artiste from AP to receive an Emeritus fellowship from HRD, GoI.
Question: Which famous British novelist who passed away on 16th December 2015 received the Carnegie medal twice?
A. Rudyard Kipling
B. Somerset Maugham
C. None of the above
D. Peter Dickinson
Answer: Peter Dickinson
Explanation: British novelist Peter Dickinson passed away on 16th December 2015 following a brief illness in Hampshire at the age of 88. He was a prolific novelist for children and adults and has the distinction of being the first author to receive the Carnegie medal twice.
Question: In which village has a Vajrayana diety Heruka been discovered?
A. Vommili
B. Madugala
C. Karnal
D. Medak
Answer: Vommili
Explanation: Historical evidence of immense heritage value has been found by Vommili archeologists. Objects retrieved from a trial excavation on the surface including a standing diety Heruka, a terracotta elephant head, conical mud bowls, thumb and finer print as well as dull chocolate coloured slipware. The site has been inspected to reveal retrieved objects indicating Buddhist monastery of this era has been discovered in Vishakhpatnam district.
Question: A new species of eel has been discovered in West Bengal’s Medinipur district called as _______________.
A. Aymnothorax mishrai
B. Gymnothorax mishrai
C. Dymnothorax mishrai
D. Tymnothorax mishrai
Answer: Gymnothorax mishrai
Explanation: Scientists at the Zoological Survey of India have discovered a new species of eel alongside the Digha coast in Purba, Medinipur District West Bengal. The species has been named Gymnothorax mishrai, and is 32.4 cm long, and brown in colour. It has a body is without any patterns and is a marine species which is edible.
Question: NGT has directed the Eastern Zone bench to map which part of the country?
A. Thar Desert
B. Sunderbans
C. Himalayas
D. None of the above
Answer: Sunderbans
Explanation: NGT on 18th December 2015 directed the Eastern Zone bench to map the Sunderbans, making out 3 zones. The Sunderbans is a Biosphere Reserve and must have 3 distinct zones namely transient, buffer and core. Human activity may be going on in the core area According to global standards, transition zone of area of cooperation is a larger outer area of a biosphere reserve where people live, work and use natural resources in a sustainable way.
Question: Which country’s currency lost 30% of its value after controls were lifted on 18th December 2015?
A. Chinese yuan
B. Japanese yen
C. US dollar
D. Argentine peso
Answer: Argentine peso
Explanation: Following the lifting of controls, Argentine peso lost 30% of its value after a pro business government scrapped forex restrictions introduced by leftist predecessors. Following the close of the first day in the absence of currency limits, dollars were changing hands for 14 pesos which is 42% higher than closing rate.
Question: Which veteran leader of the CPI (M) who recently passed away was imprisoned in Emergency?
A. Noorul Huda
B. Jyotirmoy Basu
C. Buddhadeb Bhattacharya
D. None of the above
Answer: Noorul Huda
Explanation: Noodle Huda, veteran leader of the CPI-M of eastern India passed away on 17th December 2015 gayer a cardiac arrest in Kolkotta at the age of 86. He is survived by his wife and was member of the Central Committee of CPI-M for 30 years. He was also member of the Assam State Assembly from 1978 to 1983 and was imprisoned during the emergency.
Question: How many new districts will be added to West Bengal?
A. 4
B. 5
C. 6
D. 7
Answer: 6
Explanation: Addressing the media after a cabinet meeting, CM Mamta Banerjee said Darjeeling in north Bengal will be bifurcated and a new district called Kalimpong carved out of it. Sidebands currently stretchs across North and South 24 Paraganas districts. Basirhat district will be formed out of North 24 Parganas district while existing Burdwan district will be bifurcated into two- rural and urban. Jhargram under the West Midnapore district will become a separate district while Minik block will be upgraded to subdivisions as will Jhalda and Manbazar in Purulia.
Question: Tata Global Beverages announced the youngest TATA CEO has resigneD. Who is he/she?
A. Sumi Ghosh
B. Avani Davda
C. Cyrus Mistry
D. Ravi Kant
Answer: Avani Davda
Explanation: TATA Global Beverages on 17th December announced that the youngest CEO in the TATA Group, Avani Davda has resigned to pursue opportunities outside the group. Davda was the CEO of TATA Starbucks, a joint venture between Starbucks Corp and TATA Global Beverages. She has established the TATA Starbucks and positioning Starbucks as the premier coffee house in IndiA. Starbucks opened its first India store in October 2012. JV has appointed Sumi Ghosh as CEO w.e.f January 1st 2015.
Question: Which Nobel Laureate will be made the saint of the Roman Catholic Church in September 2016?
A. Mother Teresa
B. Desmond Tutu
C. Sister Nirmala
D. Dalai Lama
Answer: Mother Teresa
Explanation: Mother Teresa of Calcutta, the Nobel laureate born to Albanian parents in Macedonia who worked for the cause of the poor in India, will be made a saint of the Roman Catholic Church in September 2016, according to Avvenire, the official newspaper of the Italian Catholics bishops conference. Mother Teresa who passed away in 1997 at the age of 87 was beautified by former Pope John Paul in 2003. Avenger said the second miracle needed for canonisation involved the cure of a man suffering from a deadly brain disease. Missionaries of Charity was founded in Calcutta by her. She also won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979.
Question: Which husband-wife activist duo has been honoured with the 2015 Lifetime Service Award by Sanctuary Asia magazine on 18th December 2015?
A. Abhay and Rani Bang
B. Claude and Norma Alvares
C. Narayana and Sudha Murthy
D. Javed Akhtar and Shabana Azmi
Answer: Claude and Norma Alvares
Explanation: Husband-wife team of Claude and Norma Alvares on 18th December 2015 was honoured with the 2015 Lifetime Services Award by Sanctuary Asia magazine. Another pioneer in fighting wildlife crimes and chairman emeritus of the Wildlife Trust of India, Ashok Kumar was named the Sanctuary LegenD. Wildlife Service Award went to 5 others namely Varad Giri, Nandini Velho, Param Jit Singh, Yashveer Bhavnagar and the Gir Lion Protection Team.
Question: International Migrants Day has been celebrated on 18th December since which year?
A. 2000
B. 2003
C. 2005
D. 2010
Answer: 2000
Explanation: International Migrants Day was observed across the world on 18th December 2015. Since 2014, close to 5000 people have lost their lives in search of a better life while migrating. Year 2015 is the year of migrant tragedies and with the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, world leaders vowed to protect the labour rights of migrants and curb criminal human trafficking networks. This day has been celebrated since 2000.
Question: Fokker Technologies signed an LTA with which Indian company on 17th December 2015?
A. Asahi
B. Aequs
C. Reliance
D. M&M
Answer: Aequs
Explanation: Fokker Technologies, a division of GKN Aerospace and Aequs India signed a long term agreement for supply of machine components for Boeing’s Chinook helicopter. The LTA was signed at the Boeing India Supplier Conference in Hyderabad and Fokker Technologies will build parts into final sub-assemblies in facilities in Papendrecht, The Netherlands. Fokker Technologies commenced operations in 2014.
Question: Jet Airways CEO Cramer Ball has resigned to be replaced by which executive as acting CEO?
A. Gaurang Shetty
B. Silvano Cassano
C. Naresh Goyal
D. None of the above
Answer: Gaurang Shetty
Explanation: Jet Airways, India’s second largest airline by market share, saw the resignation of its CEO Cramer Ball w.e.f February 29, 2016. Ball has stepped down to pursue new opportunities in Europe for family reasons. Whole time director at the airline G. Shetty will be acting CEO. Ball joined Jet Airways last year. He will now work for Italian airline Alitalia as the CEO, replacing Silvano Cassano who quit the company in September 2015. Jet was trying to implement a turnaround strategy and Etihad Airways has a 24% stake in the airline, the first time a company has made profits in the second quarter in 8 years.
Question: ADAG’s Reliance Entertainment announced a JV called Amblin Partners with which acclaimed Hollywood director?
A. James Cameron
B. Quentin Tarantino
C. Steven Spielberg
D. Stanley Kubrick
Answer: Steven Spielberg
Explanation: ADAG Reliance Entertainment and acclaimed Hollywood director Spielberg has announced formation of Amblin Partners with his company DreamWorks. This is a new film television and digital content creation company. Also part of the venture are Participant Media by Jeff Skoll and Entertainment One, a US based media company.
Question: Which Twitter executive is set to quit the company next month?
A. Daljeet Singh
B. Baljeet Singh
C. Glenn Brown
D. None of the above
Answer: Baljeet Singh
Explanation: Baljeet Singh, Twitter product lead in charge of video will quit the company next month, according to a Twitter spokesperson. Singh is currently senior product director and joined Twitter 2 years after he worked for more than 5 years with YouTube. Singh will be the latest product leader to leave Twitter after Glenn Brown.
Question: Which ride hailing app hired start up veteran Evan Cohen to head its East Coast Operations?
A. Lyft
B. Uber
C. Ola
D. None of the above
Answer: Lyft
Explanation: Ride hailing app Lyft has hired Evan Cohen on 17th December 2015 to head its east coast operations to win over regulators and fend off competitors. Cohen is a former executive from Foursquare, a mobile app providing recommendations for restaurants and nightlife. He has joined as regional director of the company.
Question: Apple has named which executive as the COO on 17th December 2015?
A. Johnny Srouji
B. Jeff Williams
C. Tim Cook
D. None of the above
Answer: Jeff Williams
Explanation: Apple has named Jeff Williams as the new COO since Tim Cook left the position to become a CEO of the company. Williams has been in Apple for 17 years and supervised the launch of Apple Watch. Apple has already named Johnny Srouji as the senior vice president.
Question: RBI announced new _________ moving towards marginal cost of funds methodology for interest rate on advances.
A. Base Rate Index
B. Base Rate Formula
C. Base Rate Percentage
D. Base Rate Ratio
Answer: Base Rate Formula
Explanation: On 17th December 2015, RBI announced a new base rate formula moving towards marginal cost of funds methodology for interest rate on advances. The final norms on marginal costs for banks will take effect from April 1, 2016. All loans and credit limits for April 1 will be priced in the context of MCLR or Marginal Cost of Funds based Lending Rate.
Question: World Bank has approved a USD 1.5 billion loan for which campaign?
A. Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan
B. Sara Shiksha Abhiyan
C. Swachch Bharat Abhiyan
D. Jan Andolan Abhiyan
Answer: Swachch Bharat Abhiyan
Explanation: World Bank has approved a loan of USD 1.5 billion for clean India campaign to support improved sanitation in the country. According to WB stats, 2.4 billion people in the world lack access to improved sanitation of which 750 million are in India and 80% are living in rural areas. Loan will be used for the SBM Support Operation Project.
Question: Which business school and the PwC network have announced the setting up a think tank on 16th December 2015?
A. Jindal Business School
B. Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies
C. Indian School of Business
D. None of the above
Answer: Indian School of Business
Explanation: Indian School of Business and Strategy&, a part of the PriceWaterhouseCooper network have entered into a contract to set up an industry think tank in the Indian defence sector. An agreement to this effect has been signed on 16th December 2015. This is against the backdrop of Make in India policy and thrust on local aerospace and defence production.
Question: Which software exporter has bagged a deal with German aviation major Lufthansa on 16th December 2015?
A. Wipro
B. Infosys
C. Cognizant
D. TCS
Answer: TCS
Explanation: The largest software exporter in the company TCS has been selected by German aviation major Lufthansa for setting up a test facility to support its IT transformation initiative in a multi million dollar deal. TCS will provide testing service. It will also help improve the quality of services of Lufthansa’s technology ops. Currently, TCS has 85 clients in Germany and Austria.
Question: US PE firm Blackstone has purchased a minority stake in IBS Software from which company on 16th December 2015?
A. General Atlantic
B. General Electric
C. IBM
D. Apple
Answer: General Atlantic
Explanation: US PE firm Blackstone Group LP has purchased a minority stake in India’s IBS Software for USD 170 million from shareholders including General AtlantiC. IBS is a software company involved in diverse industries such as travel, hospitality, logistics and oil and gas. General Atlantic has been an investor in IBS since 2007. PE firm Blackstone has been looking for investment opportunities since acquisition of India operations of British outsourcing firm Serco for 250 million pounds, the largest acquisition in India by enterprise value.
Question: Parrots in Madagascar and Comoros have been found to _________, for the first time.
A. Forage for food
B. Use tools
C. Imitate each other’s speech
D. None of the above
Answer: Use tools
Explanation: A species of parrots in Madagascar and Comoros has been found using tools, which is a first mong parrots. This species of parrot used small pebbles and date pits to break/grind shells so that they can be consumeD. Sea shells are a rich source of calcium. 10 captive parrots were studied by researchers to document their interactions with cockle shells on the aviary floor.
Question: What percentage of emissions come from worldwide livestock, according to FAO?
A. 14
B. 15
C. 16
D. 17
Answer: 15
Explanation: Burning of fossil fuels is one of the biggest causes for climate change. Another point is the high level of meat consumption. FAO scientists have estimated 15% of emissions or 7.1 billion tonnes of C02 come from worldwide livestock. Emissions can be cut by reducing meat consumption, according to FAO. Meat consumption is projected to rise to 460 million tonnes by 2050.
Question: India recorded USD ____ billion in PE investments in 2015.
A. 16.5
B. 17.5
C. 18.5
D. 17.8
Answer: 17.5
Explanation: India recorded private equity investment of USD 17.5 billion in 2015 centred around record high across 685 deals, according to PwC. This breached the previous high of 14.7 billion recorded in 2007. The year 2015 also saw USD 8.2 billion worth of exits, more than 4 billion of exits in the previous year. 2010 has set a record high in the number of exits prior to this, pegged at USD 6.3 billion.
Question: What does NEP stand for?
A. National Education Programme
B. National Education Policy
C. New Education Policy
D. New Education Programme
Answer: New Education Policy
Explanation: GoI has undertaken a collaborative and multi-pronged consultation process for formulating a NEP or New Education Policy that includes the following thematic deliberations: online, grassroots and national level. NEP consultation process has been initiated with CABE/Central Advisory Board of Education officials.
Question: What is obliquity?
A. An angle of the earth’s polar regions
B. The tilt of the earth
C. Patterns of a mathematical prism
D. None of the above
Answer: The tilt of the earth
Explanation: Researchers have discovered a connection between earth’s tilt called obliquity and shifts every 41,0000 years and the movement of a low pressure band of clouds that is the largest source of heat and moisture for the earth namely the ITCZ or Intertropical Convergence Zone. Study reveals that earth’s tilt plays a much larger role in ITCZ migration than previously determineD. This will enable climate scientists to better predict extreme weather events.
Question: From January 26, 2016 which e-commerce company will be available in multiple regional languages for the first time?
A. Snapdeal
B. Flipkart
C. Myntra
D. Jabong
Answer: Snapdeal
Explanation: For overcoming language barriers and shopping online in the regional language they prefer, Snapdeal users can now try its multilingual interface. Snapdeal’s user interface on mobile will soon be available in English and 11 regional languages w.e.f January 26th. Snapped has now expanded the reach to 130 million smartphone users in the country.
Question: The United Nations released the Human Development Report on 14th December 2015 with which title?
A. World for Human Development in Tanzania
B. World for Human Development in Ethiopia
C. Work for Human Development in Ethiopia
D. Work for Human Development in Tanzania
Answer: Work for Human Development in Ethiopia
Explanation: This report was released on 14th December 2015 with the title “Work for Human Development in Ethiopia”. This report also said that 2 billion people were lifted out of low human development within the past 25 years. As per the 2015 report, India attained a score of 0.609 thereby ranked 130 of 188 nations in terms of the HDI. In the 2014 report, India’s report was 135 out of 187.
Question: Which Chinese e-commerce company will pay USD 266 million for purchasing South China Morning Post?
A. Baidu
B. Alibaba
C. Xiaomi
D. Redmi
Answer: Alibaba
Explanation: Chinese internet company Alibaba will pay USD 266 million for the South China Morning Post of Hong Kong. The business had been valued at half the amount and some observers indicated that the hefty price tag reveals Alibaba’s intent to control the mediA. Alibaba also owns the Hong Kong editions of magazines Cosmopolitan, Elle, Esquire and Harper’s Bazaar.
Question: Which tournament did boxer Shiva Thapa receive the bronze medal for in 2014?
A. Commonwealth Games
B. World Championships
C. Asian Championships
D. London Games
Answer: World Championships
Explanation: In a massive boost for 4 Indian boxers, the International Olympics Committee conferred scholarships on the sportsman namely World Championships bronze medallist Shiva Thapa, Commonwealth Games silver medalist Mandeep Jangra, and Sumit Sangwan as well as Gaurav Bidhuri. While Bidhuri finished with an impressive performance at the World Series of Boxing, Sumit won a silver medal at the 2010 Asian Championships. A sum of USD 800 per month will be given to them as part of the scholarship along with USD 5,000 provided they qualify for the Olympics.
Question: Director’s pay in public companies has been capped at what percent of net profit under the Companies Act?
A. 10
B. 11
C. 12
D. 13
Answer: 11
Explanation: Overall remuneration that directors of public companies can receive has been fixed at 11% of its annual profit recorded in a particular financial year. Under the Companies Act, Corporate Affairs Minister Arun Jaitley has announced that total remuneration payable to directors shall not exceed 11 percent of the net profits of that company for that financial year. Firms that will be considered public companies would be those with minimum paid up capital of INR 5 lakh or more. When there are losses or inadequate profits, remuneration may be paid as per the limits perceived and conditions specified in the Act.
Question: Which Indian automobile company has agreed to purchase Italian car designer Pininfarina S.p.A in an all cash deal on 14th December 2015?
A. Tech Mahindra
B. Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd
C. TATA Motors
D. Both a and b
Answer: Both a and b
Explanation: Tech Mahindra and Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd, part of the Mahindra Group have made the agreement to purchase Italian car designer Pininfarina S.p. A in an all cash deal. Tech Mahindra and M&M will form a 60:40 JV for acquiring Milanese company Pininfarina which has designed cars such as Ferrari, Rolls Royce and CadillaC. The JV, will also infuse 20 million euros into Pininfarina by way of a rights issue, which would be executed before the end of 2016.
Question: Which company has announced a strategic agreement to divide digital transformation across Etihad Airways and its equity partners?
A. Wipro
B. TCS
C. Cognizant
D. None of the above
Answer: Cognizant
Explanation: Etihad Airways has announced a strategic agreement with Cognizant to drive digital transformation across the airline and its equity partners. As per the 3 year multi-million dollar deal, Cognizant will enable Etihad Airways to define its digital strategy and enable the airlines and its equity partners to better understand the needs of their customers. As part of the engagement, this IT company will manage the existing web apps and portals of the airline and integrate them into a new digital platform.
Question: Which senior Wipro executive submitted a resignation letter on 14th December 2015?
A. Anisha Singh
B. Sangita Singh
C. Jeffrey Heena Jalil
D. None of the above
Answer: Sangita Singh
Explanation: Wipro healthcare and life sciences CEO Sangita Singh has quit following 23 years of service with the company. She is one of the senior most leaders in the IT industry and has resigned at a very high level. Global health of life sciences and healthcare strategic business units will now be taken over by senior VP J. Heenan-Jalil. Healthcare and life sciences constitutes 11.4% of USD 7.6 billion which forms the firm’s top line.
Question: Which chess grandmaster won the London classic on 14th December 2015?
A. Anish Giri
B. Viswanathan Anand
C. Magnus Carlsen
D. Maxime Vachier Lagrave
Answer: Magnus Carlsen
Explanation: Ex world champion V. Anand played a draw with Holland’s Anish Giri to finish 9th in the London ClassiC. The event was won by Magnus Carlsen of Norway. World champion Carlsen has won the Grand Chess Tour after winning the classic beating Russia’s Alexander Grischuk and Maxime Vachier Lagrave of France.
Question: How many glaciers out of 2018 are retreating, as per a recent government response in the RS on 15th December 2015?
A. 235
B. 248
C. 221
D. 239
Answer: 248
Explanation: Close to 248 of 2018 or 12.3% of Himalayan glaciers are retreating. Around 18 are advancing and a majority or around 86% are stable. This result is based on an ISRO-MoEF study conducted between 2004 and 2011 in the Himalayas.
Question: LoI was signed between which two cities for cooperation in the field of technological interventions in art, culture and museum as part of sister initiatives?
A. San Francisco and New Delhi
B. San Francisco and Bengaluru
C. San Jose and Mumbai
D. San Jose and Chennai
Answer: San Francisco and Bengaluru
Explanation: Letter of Intent was signed between San Francisco and Bengaluru on 14th December 2015 for cooperation in diverse fields such as art, culture and museums as part of the sister initiative between the two cities. Interactive art and technology installations from San Francisco will soon be installed in the city at places such as Cubbon Park and Vidhan Soudha metro station.
Question: As per the government data, CPI has come in higher in the month of November, at the value ____.
A. 5.21%
B. 5.31%
C. 5.41%
D. 5.51%
Answer: 5.41%
Explanation: The Consumer Price Index for the month of November was pegged at 5.41 percent as against 5% month on month driven by rise in food inflation. Food inflation was pegged at 6.07% as against 5.25% MoM. Upside surprise in food inflation must not be generalised according to economists. The CPI running lower than RBI estimates could increase to 5.5% going forward.
Question: Which famous Cornell University scholar died on 13th December 2015 at the age of 79?
A. John Nash
B. Benedict Anderson
C. Craig J. Reynolds
D. None of the above
Answer: Benedict Anderson
Explanation: Benedict Anderson, a scholar from Cornell university who was one of the most influential voices in the field of nationalism and Southeast Asia studies passed away in Indonesia on 13th December 2015 at the age of 79. He died in his sleep during a visit to the city of Malang. He is best known for his 1983 book entitled Imagined Communications: Reflections on the Origin and Spread of Nationalism.
Question: Leaders from which nation/s have joined Turkmenistan in breaking ground on a new pipeline for delivering natural gas called TAPI on 13th December 2015?
A. Afghanistan
B. Pakistan
C. India
D. All of the above
Answer: All of the above
Explanation: Leaders from Afghanistan, India and Pakistan have joined Turkmenistan in breaking ground over the new TAPI pipeline which is 1080 miles long and intended to carry gas through Afghan cities of Herat and Kandahar and end up in India Pakistan border town FazilkA. Turkmenistan has the world’s 4th largest gas reserves yet exports mainly to China.
Question: Saudi Arabians voted how many women into public office for the first time in the municipal elections in the conservative Islamic Kingdom, on December 13th 2015?
A. 14
B. 16
C. 17
D. 18
Answer: 17
Explanation: Saudi Arabians voted 17 women into public office in municipal elections in the conservative Islamic kingdom on Saturday, the first for allowing female participation. This election is a landmark step because women can now vote and run as candidates. This is a major step forward from the time that women were barred from driving and dependent on male relatives for all life decisions.
Question: Which temple in Cambodia has been discovered to be much larger and complex than previously envisioned by archaeologists?
A. Angkor Wat
B. Bayon
C. Preah Khan
D. Phnom Bakheng
Answer: Angkor Wat
Explanation: Angkor Wat temple in Cambodia is much larger than previously thought, according to archeologists who discovered buried towers and remains of huge structure near the largest religious monument in the worlD. Team also found more components than previously envisaged and bounded on the south side by a unique, massive structure. Researchers also found that Angkor Wat included an entire ensemble of buried towers built and demolished during construction and initial use of the temple.
Question: Which shuttlers won the men’s and women’s singles at the BWF Superseries Finals on December 13, 2015?
A. Kento Momota and Nozomi Okuhara
B. Chen Long and Carolina Marin
C. Chen Long and Saina Nehwal
D. Kidambi Srikanth and P.V. Sindhu
Answer: Kento Momota and Nozomi Okuhara
Explanation: Japanese shuttlers Kento Momota and Nozomi Okuhara have won the men’s and women’s singles categories in the BWF Superseries Final at Hamden Sports Complex. World no.5 Momota beat Danish Viktor Axelsen while World No.4 Okuhara beat No.3 Yihan Wang from ChinA. Chinese twin shuttlers Luo Ying and Luo Yu won the women’s doubles titles while in the mixed double final, Adock couple Chris and Gabriele were the victors. Indonesia’s double men’s pair of Hendra Setiwan and Mohammad Ahsan won the men’s doubles.
Question: The logo and mascot of the 12th South Asian Games 2016 were unveiled on 13th December 2015. What is the name of the mascot?
A. Chickori
B. Tikhori
C. Bikhori
D. None of the above
Answer: Tikhori
Explanation: Organising Committee of the 12th South Asian Games 2016 unveiled the logo and mascot of the game at Guwahati,Assam. Both Shillong and Guwahati will jointly host the Games from February 6 to 16 2016. The OC-SAG kicked off its volunteers programme also, which is open to the publiC. Close to 4500 sports persons and officials from 8 nations will be participating in 23 events from 6th to 16th February 2016. The logo has 8 petals representing the nations participating in the 12th South Asian Games. Name of the Mascot of the Games is Tikhor who is the brand ambassador of the 12th South Asian Games 2016.
Question: Melting of glaciers near the poles of the earth has resulted in rise in which level causing a slowing down of the planet’s rotation?
A. Heat
B. Ice
C. Sea
D. None of the above
Answer: Sea
Explanation: Melting of glaciers near the poles of the earth and rise in sea level has slowed down the earth’s rotation, increasing the length of the days. Scientists are studying past changes in sea level to make accurate future predictions. Melting water from glaciers not only causes a rise in sea levels, but also leads the shift of the mass from the poles to the equator. Gravity from the moon also leads to the slowdown. Consequently, the length of the days is slowly rising and in a century from now, it will increase by 1.7 milliseconds.
Question: Board of which two countries approved a definitive agreement to merge the companies in an all stock deal on 11th December 2015?
A. Microsoft Corp and HP
B. Apple and IBM
C. DuPont and Dow Chemical Company
D. None of the above
Answer: DuPont and Dow Chemical Company
Explanation: BoD of DuPont and Dow Chemical Company on 11th December 2015 has approved a definitive agreement for merging the two companies in an all stock deal. Merged company will be named DowDuPoint and will have combined market cap of 130 billion dollars at announcement. Under the transaction terms, Dow shareholders will receive fixed exchange ratio of 1.00 share of DowDuPont for each Dow share. DuPont shareholders will receive fixed exchange ratio of 1.282 shares in DowDuPont for each DuPont share.
Question: Data integrator SnapLogic has just raised funds from which major companies on December 12, 2015?
A. Microsoft Corp
B. Silver Lake Waterman
C. Triangle Peak Partners
D. Both a and b
Answer: Both a and b
Explanation: Data integrator SnapLogic has raised USD 37.5 million in funds from Microsoft Corp and Silver Lake Waterman, where plans are on to accelerate growth and expansion. Silver Lake Waterman is the growth arm of Silver Lake. It focuses on flexible capital building for later stage growth tech firms. SnapLogic is a San Mateo California based company. It was founded in 2006 by Gaurav Dhillon and its customers include Adobe Systems Inc and AstraZeneca Plc.
Question: Wipro has just won which award for developing a solution for Internet of Things on 12th December 2015?
A. Aegis Graham Bell award
B. Alexander Graham Bell award
C. Graham Bell award
D. None of the above
Answer: Aegis Graham Bell award
Explanation: Global software company Wipro has announced that it has won the Aegis Graham Bell award for developing IoT solutions. This is the country’s innovation award in the field of internet, telecom, media, entertainment, social mobility analytics and cloud.
Question: How many countries have submitted their nationally determined contributions on climate actions at the COP21 plenary on 12th December 2015?
A. 186
B. 188
C. 189
D. 190
Answer: 189
Explanation: 189 nations have so far submitted their nationally determined contributions on climate actions. Paris agreement will be open for signature in the UN NY HQ from 22nd April 2016 and will entrant force on the 30th day after 55 parties to the UNFCC estimated as being emitters of GHG by estimated 55 percent ratified their acceptance, accession, approval. Another critical step is that Palestine joined the UN convention aligning itself with G77 and ChinA. It also submitted its instrument of accession to UNFCC.
Question: As per the climate deal released on 12th December 2015, how many of its 31 pages are legally binding?
A. 22
B. 23
C. 24
D. 21
Answer: 21
Explanation: A historic climate change deal was reached in Paris. The draft decision stipulates that USD 100 billion will be a floor and not ceiling as a fresh quantified target needs to be established by 2025. The legally binding climate deal released on 12th December 2015 forms the crux of the deal and it has 31 pages, 21 of which are legally binding once ratifieD. This text has zero dissent and India’s concerns have been met. Climate action sharing responsibilities between developed and developing countries will be addresseD. Long term goal of climate change efforts are within 2 degree celsius and efforts will be made to pursue a target of 1.5 degree C.
Question: Forest cover has decreased in which state according to the FSI?
A. HP
B. UP
C. Uttarakhand
D. None of the above
Answer: Uttarakhand
Explanation: According to a report submitted by Forest Survey of India, forest cover of Uttarakhand has lowered by 268 sq km in past two years having total area of 24,240 sq km currently. Main reason for this fall in forest cover has been described as rotational felling and diversion of forest land for development activities in the report. FSI has reported only 12 states presently and the total states will be covered by the next survey. The state of Uttarakhand has total geographical area of 53,483 sq km from which 34561 is recorded forest area.
Question: RBI data shows that unlisted companies had larger share of FDI equity capital pegged at what value?
A. INR 3,46,090 crore
B. INR 2,46,090 crore
C. INR 1,46,090 crore
D. None of the above
Answer: INR 3,46,090 crore
Explanation: RBI data has indicated unlisted companies have received larger share of FDI at INR 346090 crore at face value as against listed companies at INR 11,700 crore in 2014-2015. Share of non-financial companies in total foreign equity participation was pegged at INR 3,02,950 crore at face value as against financial companies at INR 54,840 crore as per RBI data released on 12th December. RBI also released data pertaining to Census on Foreign Liabilities and Assets of Indian Direct Investment Companies for 2014-2015. In the 2014-2015 round of the FLA census, 17642 companies reported of which 16242 companies received FDI/ODI in their balance sheet in March 2015. Equity participation has a much larger share at 94.1% than debt in total inwards FDI which was pegged at INR 19,62970 crore at market value in March 2015 was INR 15,06,260 crore a year back. Total ODI was placed at INR 5,32,010 crore at market value and was INR 5,58,080 crore a year back.
Question: Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba Group has agreed to buy which Honk Kong based newspaper?
A. South China Post
B. North China Post
C. South China Morning Post
D. None of the above
Answer: South China Morning Post
Explanation: Chinese e-commerce major Alibaba Group has agreed to purchase Hong Kong English language newspaper group, South China Morning Post. Agreement includes SCMP Group’s other media assets such as licenses to Hong Kong edition of Harper’s Bazaar and Elle. Deal is sure to raise concerns in Hong Kong where the SCMP occupies an important position in the media.
Question: Which taxi hailing app has announced a partnership with Indifi for providing personal loans to drivers?
A. Ola
B. Uber
C. Meru
D. None of the above
Answer: Ola
Explanation: Taxi hailing app Ola has announced a collaboration with Indifi to provide loan for drivers registered on the platform. Indifi is a tech start up that enables enterprises which are small to gain access to debt financing. Ola has initiated a loan scheme in the following cities-Pune, Bengaluru. It will partner multiple finance partners in the next 6 months for extension of this facility to drivers across the country.
Question: Money raised by India Inc from corporate markets was how much during the first 8 months of the current fiscal, as per GoI data?
A. INR 18,259 crore
B. INR 17,259 crore
C. INR 16,259 crore
D. None of the above
Answer: INR 18,259 crore
Explanation: Money raised by India Inc from capital markets rose by more than 4 times to INR 18259 crore during the first 8 months of the current fiscal, according to GoI data released in the Parliament. Around INR 3972 crore was raised by 41 companies in April to November of the previous fiscal, 2014-2015.
Question: Ministry of Tourism estimated Foreign Tourist Arrivals on account of nationality wise, port wise data received from Bureau of Immigration and Foreign Exchange Earnings from tourism on basis of the data received from RBI. What was the estimate of FTAs in November 2015?
A. 8.15 lakh
B. 8.14 lakh
C. 8.13 lakh
D. None of the above
Answer: 8.15 lakh
Explanation: This is as against FTA of 7.65 lakh during November 2014 and 7.34 lakh in November 2013. A growth of 6.5% in November 2015 was registered over 2014. FTAs during the period January November 2015 was 71.03 lakh with 4.5% growth as against FTAs of 67.94 lakh with growth of 10.5% in January-November 2014 over January-November 2013. Percentage share of FTAs in India in November 2015 among top 15 nations was USA (15.76%) followed by Bangladesh, UK, Canada and AustraliA. Percentage share of FTAs in India during November 2015 were among top 15 port cities at Delhi Airport, followed by Mumbai and Chennai. Foreign exchange earnings during the month of November 2015 was INR 11,610 crore as compared to INR 12,968 crore in November 2014 and INR 11,994 crore in November 2013.
Question: Index of industrial production for October 2015 stood at what percentage in an increase from the 4 month low in September?
A. 9.5%
B. 9.8%
C. 10.2%
D. 10.5%
Answer: 9.8%
Explanation: From the 4 month low touched in September, the index of industrial production stood at 9.8 percent as against 3.6 percent month-on-month. Higher than expected figure was due to re festive ramp up and growth in mining as well as electricity and favourable base. October IIP figure comes in conjunction with the November reading . Electricity generated expanded 9 percent and the mining sector grew to 4.7 percent. General index for October 2015 was pegged at 181.3 that is 9.8 percent higher compared with October 2014.
Question: A two day international conference was recently organised highlighting intercultural linkages with India and which other country on 11th December 2015?
A. Vietnam
B. Cambodia
C. Cuba
D. China
Answer: Cambodia
Explanation: Dr. M. Sharma, Minister of State for Culture and Tourism inaugurated a 2 day International Conference on India-Laos: Inter-Cultural Linkages. The conference was organised by Indira Gandhi National Centre for Art in partnership with Shri Bharatvarshiya Digambar Jain Teerth Sanrakshini Mahasabha, New Delhi, India and Laos share a common cultural heritage and the conference sought to explore linkages.
Question: The Republic of Kenya celebrates its independence day on ____ December 2015.
A. 10th
B. 11th
C. 12th
D. 13th
Answer: 12th
Explanation: President of India Shri Pranab Mukherjee extended greetings to the government and people of Republic of Kenya on the eve of the nation’s independence day (December 12, 2015). Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta is currently the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Republic of KenyA. The 52nd anniversary of this independence day was celebrated in 2015.
Question: Which online payments company has appointed Anshul Khetarpal as the CFO on 10th December 2015?
A. Paytm
B. PayPal
C. Square
D. Freecharge
Answer: Freecharge
Explanation: Anshul Khetrapal was appointed as CFO of online payments company Freecharge on 10th December 2015. He has 8 years of experience in the sector and also worked for companies like Airtel. He will craft strategies for the payments business at Freecharge and Snapdeal. Freecharge Wallet has over 10 million users and aims to reach 35 million wallets by March 2016.
Question: Bangladesh has lifted the ban on which social networking service on 10th December 2015?
A. Facebook
B. Twitter
C. WhatsApp
D. Viber
Answer: Facebook
Explanation: Bangladesh has lifted the ban on FB 3 weeks after the popular social networking service was blocked after the SC upheld death penalty of 2 opposition leaders convicted for war crimes in independence war against Pakistan in the year 1971. The bans on WhatsApp and VIber will continue for security reasons, the authorities said.
Question: Ratan Tata, Chairman Emeritus TATA Group has invested in which urban services marketplace company on 10th December 2015?
A. Urban Ladder
B. UrbanClap
C. Bluestone
D. CarDekho
Answer: UrbanClap
Explanation: Continuing the funding of his startups, well known industrialist and chairman emeritus TATA group has invested in urban services marketplace UrbanClap. The value of the investment was not disclosed to the publiC. UrbanClap is India’s largest services marketplace and it operates in 6 cities offering close to 80 services. Company also has network of 25,000 service professionals. Tata has invested in firms like Snapdeal, Kaaryah, Urban Ladder, Bluestone, CarDekho, Sabse Technologies, Xiaomi and OlA. He has also joined some VC funds such as Jungle Ventures and Kalaari Capital.
Question: COP21 released a new version of the draft text of the Paris agreement on 10th December 2015. How many options does the draft have?
A. 10
B. 11
C. 12
D. 13
Answer: 13
Explanation: French presidency of COP21 or 21st Conference of Parties on 10th December released a new and shorter version of the draft text of the Paris agreement. This 27 page draft text will be placed before negotiators now. Fresh text incorporates demand of India to recognise sustainable lifestyles and patterns of consumption and production in combating climate change. The new draft is an improved version with 50 brackets and 13 options. The deal will be sealed in New York in April 22, 2016 if all goes well.
Question: Complete ban has been placed on the use of which material from Gomukhi to Haridwar along the Ganga river w.e.f February 1st by NGT?
A. Rubber
B. Plastic
C. PUC
D. Both b and c
Answer: Both b and c
Explanation: A complete ban has been placed on the use of plastic of any kind from Gomukhi to Haridwar along the Ganga river w.e.f February 1st according to the NGT while a penalty of INR 5000 has been imposed on hotels, dharamshalas and ashrams which violate the order. The green panel also divided the cleaning campaign of the river into different segments namely Gomukhi to Haridwar, Haridwar to Kanpur, Kanpur to border of Uttar Pradesh, border of Uttar Pradesh to border of Jharkhand and border of Jharkhand to Bay of Bengal. Apart from plastic ban, NGT has also prohibited the throwing of municipal, construction and demolition waste into the river. The bench also said that seriously polluting industries operating without the consent of the Uttarakhand Environment Protection and Pollution Control Board shall be closed with immediate effect.
Question: GoI has collected how many crores through cess imposed on petrol and diesel in the previous financial year 2014?
A. INR 21054
B. INR 20054
C. INR 31054
D. INR 30354
Answer: INR 21054
Explanation: GoI has collected INR 21,054 crore through the cess imposed on petrol and diesel in the previous financial year closing March 2015. The collection is higher by 22% as against INR 17330.87 crore collected in 2013-2014.
Question: India has been projected as the fastest growing economy with growth at the rate of ___ percent by 2016. according to the UN WESP report.
A. 7.3
B. 8.3
C. 7.8
D. 8.8
Answer: 7.3
Explanation: At 7.3% in 2016, India will remain the fastest growing economy in the times to come according to the United National World Economic Situations and Prospects/WESP report 2016. India is projected to record 7.3% economic growth in 2016 and 7.5% in 2017. India’s rival in South Asia is China which will see the slowdown in growth from 6.8 in 2015 to 6.4 percent in 2016. Report also indicated world economy will only see modest improvements in 2016-2017 as cyclical and structural headwinds persist.
Question: India and the UK have launched a joint initiative in New Delhi on 9th December 2015. What is it called?
A. 2016: UK India Year of Research
B. 2016: India-UK Year of Education
C. 2016: UK-India Year of Education and Research
D. 2016 India-UK Year of Educational Research
Answer: 2016: UK-India Year of Education and Research
Explanation: 2016 is being celebrated as the year of education and research between India and the UK. The importance of mobility of students and faculty has been expressed under the GIAN program whereby more UK academics will be able to visit IndiA. The mutual research areas to be picked could be one of the top 10 priority areas under IMPRINT (Impacting Research Innovation and Technology).
Question: International Anti-Corruption Day was observed worldwide on which day?
A. 8th December
B. 9th December
C. 10th December
D. 11th December
Answer: 9th December
Explanation: The International Anti-Corruption Day was observed across the world on 9th December 2015. The theme was Break the Corruption chain. The day was held to create public awareness about what people can do to fight corruption. UNDP and UNODC are the main bodies which oversaw the observance of this day. This day is being celebrated since 2003 when the United Nations Convention Against Corruption was adopted.
Question: US House of Representatives has passed which Act on 8th December 2015 for imposing restrictions on people who have visited Iraq, Syria and countries listed as supporting terrorism to travel without a visa in the US?
A. Visa Waiver Program Improvement Act, 2015
B. Visa Waiver Program Implementation Act 2015
C. Visa Waiver Act 2015
D. Visa Program Improvement Act 2015
Answer: Visa Waiver Program Improvement Act, 2015
Explanation: US House of representatives on 8th December 2015 passed the Visa Waiver Program Improvement Act of 2015 amending the US visa travel practices. Votes were 407 in favour of the Bill which imposes restrictions on persons who have visited Iraq, Syria and countries supporting terrorism to travel visa free in the United States. Bill will also bar people who traveled after March 1 2011 to Iraq, Syria, Sudan and Iran from participating in the visa free program. Biometric passports will now be issued to such persons as well.
Question: FIFA has signed an 8 year partnership with which company for the Club World Cup indicating the vast marketing potential of China?
A. Alibaba E-Auto
B. Alibaba E-Commerce
C. Baidu
D. None of the above
Answer: Alibaba E-Auto
Explanation: The deal has been signed for the Club World Cup reflecting the massive marketing potential of ChinA. Marketing director Thierry Weil made the announcement regarding the deal with the car manufacturing brand of the popular e-commerce major. The Club World Cup features the leading clubs from FIFA’s six continental confederations.
Question: Who has been named Times Person of the Year in 2015?
A. Desmond Tutu
B. Donald Trump
C. Tony Blair
D. Angela Merkel
Answer: Angela Merkel
Explanation: Time magazine has honoured German Chancellor Angela Merkel as Person of the Year 2015. The German Chancellor’s leadership helped to preserve and promote EU without borders. IS leader Al-Baghdadi and Republican presidential aspirant Donald Trump were also among the 8 candidates shortlisted for the honour. PM Narendra Modi, RIL chairman Mukesh Ambani and Google’s Sundar Pichai were among the contenders for this annual honour prior to the final shortlist.
Question: Name Japan’s maiden mission which has zoomed successfully into the Venusian orbit on 9th December 2015
A. Akatsuki
B. Kakatsuki
C. Makatsuki
D. None of the above
Answer: Akatsuki
Explanation: Following its first failure on December 6, 2010, Japan’s maiden mission to Venus, Akatsuki or Venus Climate Orbiter has zoomed into the Venusian orbit according to Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency Jaxa.
Question: India’s merchandise export for the year 2014 was valued at USD ___ billion against USD 314 billion in the previous year, according to an UNCTAD report.
A. 313
B. 321
C. 341
D. 351
Answer: 321
Explanation: The total merchandise export has been valued at USD 321 billion as against USD 314 billion in the year before this, as per an UNCTAD report. Report indicated that international service exports constituted 21% of the total global exports valued at slightly more than USD 5 trillion in 2014. This was a growth of around 5% over the previous year. Total global exports for 2014 stood at USD 24 trillion which is up by 1.2 percent as against the previous year. According to the Handbook of Statistics published by UNCTAD, service exports from developed and developing economies expanded at 5.2 and 4.8 percent respectively in 2014.
Question: Which ace shuttler won the Female Player of the Year award from BWF President P.E. Hoyer in Dubai on 7th December 2015?
A. Carolina Marin
B. Saina Nehwal
C. P.V.Sindhu
D. None of the above
Answer: Carolina Marin
Explanation: All England and World Champion Carolina Marin has beaten ace Indian shutter Saina Nehwal to win the Female Player of the Year award from BWF. Marin, the winner of five World Superseries titles, held off competition from China's Zhao Yunlei, Saina and China's Bao Yixin. China’s Chen Long won the Male Player of the Year awarD. Korea’s Le Sam Seop and Norwegian Helle Sofia Sagoy won Para Badminton Player of the Year award in male and female categories while Zheng Si Wei won the most promising player of the year.
Question: Which country has replaced Mauritius as the top source of FDI into India, according to DIPP, Ministry of Commerce and Industry?
A. Singapore
B. Japan
C. China
D. Australia
Answer: Singapore
Explanation: Singapore replaced Mauritius as top source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into India during April-September of 2015-16 financial year, as per an announcement made by the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion of Ministry of Commerce and industry. Between April to September 15 2015, India has received INR 43096 crore as FDI from Singapore during the same period, FDI from Mauritius was INR 23490 crore. Netherlands occupied the third spot while the US came fourth.
Question: India’s total export of IT, ITeS and BPO services grew by how much in 2014-2015, according to RBI data?
A. 14.8%
B. USD 82 billion
C. Both of the above
D. Neither a nor b
Answer: Both of the above
Explanation: India’s total exports of the IT, ITeS and BPO services grew by 14.8% to USD 82 billion/INR 5.01 lakh crore in the year 2014-2015, as per RBI datA. RBI also said in the Survey on Computer Software and IT enabled Services Exports: 2014-2015 that exports of computer services grew 72% and 28% for computer services and ITeS/BPO roughly. Public limited companies constitute 55.6% and as per RBI survey, US and Canada will persist in being major destinations, accounting for 60% of total software services export in 2014-2015.
Question: Iran has replaced which country as the fifth largest crude oil supplier in the first half of 2015-2016, according to GoI data?
A. Kuwait
B. Bahrain
C. UAE
D. None of the above
Answer: Kuwait
Explanation: Iran has replaced Kuwait to become the fifth largest crude oil supplier in the first half of fiscal 2015-2016, selling over 6.5 million tons of oil. Iran is also the second biggest supplier of crude oil after Saudi Arabia till the year 2010-2011. India is dependent on imports to meet needs to the tune of 80%.
Question: United Launch Alliance Atlas V carrying the ____ cargo space craft has left for ISS on 6th December 2015.
A. O3-4 Cygnus
B. OB-4 Cygnus
C. OA-4 Cygnus
D. None of the above
Answer: OA-4 Cygnus
Explanation: A United Launch Alliance Atlas V (401 configuration) rocket carrying the OA-4 Cygnus cargo spacecraft with much needed supplies blasted off towards the International Space Station (ISS) on 6th December 2015. Rocket was launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and it will be the first US delivery of cargo since April 2015.
Question: Who has been appointed as Corporate President to lead new initiatives by taxi aggregator Ola on 7th December 2015?
A. Joy Pednekar
B. Koy Nadekar
C. Joy Bandekar
D. None of the above
Answer: Joy Bandekar
Explanation: Taxi aggregator platform Ola on 7th December appointed Joy Bandekar as Corporate President to lead new initiatives. He has over 20 years of experience and joined Ola from Flipkart. He has also worked with organisations such as RIL, Maxworth Orchards and Atcom Technologies. Recently, it also hired Rajiv Bansal to head its finance operations.
Question: Titan has appointed three directors on the board of its new JV with which company?
A. Maison Montrouge
B. Maison Montblanc
C. Maison Informatique
D. None of the above
Answer: Maison Montblanc
Explanation: Titan has appointed 3 directors including MD Bhaskar Bhat on board its new JV with Maison Montblanc which aims to carry out single brand retail trading of the products in IndiA. The other two people appointed on the board are Co CEO S. Ravi Kant and Independent Director Ireen Vittal. Appointment is as per agreement between partners under which Titan has appointed three of six directors in a BSE filing. JV has “equity participation pursuant to FIPB approval in the ratio of 51:49 by Montblanc Services BV and Titan Co Ltd, respectively, as per the filing. The equity share capital of the JV company after allotment on December 5, 2015 is Rs. 41.50 crore comprising 4.15 crore shares of Rs.10 each, the company saiD. Montblanc is entering India again to open 5 boutiques within the next 3 months. Titan is a JV between TATA group and Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corp.
Question: IDFC has inked a pact with which IT services major for core banking solutions on 7th December 2015?
A. TCS
B. Infosys
C. Cognizant
D. HP
Answer: TCS
Explanation: IDFC Bank has inked a pact with IT services major Tata Consultancy Services to use TCS BaNCS for its core banking solutions. Around 23 branches will be powered by this core banking solution. TCS has deployed more than 300 similar projects across the globe.
Question: NIIT has entered into an educational partnership with which IT major on 7th December 2015?
A. HP
B. Infosys
C. Wipro
D. TCS
Answer: HP
Explanation: They have entered into strategic partnership to offer 'Post Graduate Certificate Program' in software testing that enable learners to apply key testing skills and practices using HP tools. Software apps, especially on cloud serve numerous end users. As per NASSCOM, the software testing outsourcing market is expected to grow from $30 billion in 2010 to $50 billion in 2020 worldwide and India is expected to be the biggest gainers.
Question: In a major breakthrough, Columbia Engineering researchers have harnessed the _________ machinery of living systems to power integrated circuits.
A. Molecular
B. Cellular
C. Both of the above
D. None of the above
Answer: Molecular
Explanation: They worked towards integrating a conventional solid-state complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) integrated circuit with an artificial lipid bilayer membrane containing adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-powered ion pumps.Within living systems, ATP is used to transport energy from where it is generated to where it is consumed in the cell. The innovation has opened the door for new artificial systems containing biological and solid state components.
Question: APSSDC and which business group have joined hands to skill youth in areas such as cybersecurity and data analytics?
A. ASSOCHAM
B. NASSCOM
C. FICCI
D. None of the above
Answer: NASSCOM
Explanation: Andhra Pradesh State Skill Development Corporation (APSSDC) and National Association of Software and Services Companies (Nasscom) have joined hands to skill youth in areas like cybersecurity and data analytics. Around 36 institutions across AP will be partnering the initiative and have nominated faculty members for the program. IT security market is pegged at USD 77 billion worldwide in 2015 and growing at a rate of 8% each year. Demand for security workforce is to rise globally to 6 million by 2019, up from 4 million currently, with projected shortfall of 1.5 million.
Question: Which country has issued the first ever red alert for smog on 7th December 2015 urging schools to close and invoking restrictions on factories and traffic that will keep half of the city's vehicles off the roads?
A. China
B. Japan
C. India
D. None of the above
Answer: China
Explanation: The red alert which is the most serious warning on a 4 tier system adopted in recent times was announced on 7th December 2015. Authorities have forecasted more than 3 consecutive days of severe smog. Reading of PM 2.5 rose to 300 micrograms per cubic meter on this day.
Question: Which open access online educator has announced a partnership with TATA Trusts for free online education?
A. Khan academy
B. Education academy
C. Student academy
D. NIIT
Answer: Khan academy
Explanation: Leading open access online educators, Khan Academy have announced a 5 year, not for profit partnership with TATA Trust to provide free online education for the Indian market. US based Salman Khan is the founder of this initiative. This partnership will provide guidance to students on Indian languages and subject matter in NCERT textbooks in regional languages.
Question: Online classified portals Quikr has acquired a real estate analytics platform on December 6th 2015. What is it called?
A. RealtyCompass
B. RealtyMind
C. RealtyPlay
D. None of the above
Answer: RealtyCompass
Explanation: Online classifieds portal Quikr has acquired a real estate analytics platform RealtyCompass which enables customers and investors to be involved in the decision making process through provision of builder ratings and project analysis. RealtyCompass was founded in 2013 by N. Bhandari, S. Srinivasan and A. Mishra and will now be part of QuikrHomes.
Question: Which online payments and commerce company has acquired Gurgaon based Near.in on 6th December 2015?
A. PayPal
B. Square
C. Paytm
D. None of the above
Answer: Paytm
Explanation: Online e-commerce and payments company Paytm has acquired Near.in in a consolidation in the local and home services market. With this acquisition, Gurgaon based Near.in is in line with the strategy of the payment company to strengthen online to offline play. Near.in has raised seed funding from well known entrepreneurs such as Anupam Mittal and vanish Vij.
Question: Mangrove cover in Maharashtra has risen by what percentage since 2013, according to the Forest Survey of India?
A. 20
B. 30
C. 40
D. 50
Answer: 20
Explanation: Biennial survey conducted by the Forest Survey of India, Dehradun has found that the mangrove cover in the state, which remained static at 186 sq km between 2005 and 2013 has reached 222 sq km. This is the biggest rise in mangrove cover recorded by any Indian state in the 2 year period from 2013 to 2015.
Question: Forest cover in which state(s) have shown an increase in the last two years, according to Forest Survey of India?
A. TN
B. WB
C. Kerala
D. Both a and c
Answer: Both a and c
Explanation: Forest cover in UP has shown a marginal rise within the past two years, as per latest report of Forest Survey of IndiA. Report indicated that India’s forest cover rose by 3775 square km since 2013 taking the total to 701,673 sq km equalling 70.17 mha or 21.34% of the nation’s geographical areA. Increased forest cover was observed in the following states : Kerala, TN, J&K and KarnatakA. As against 2013, there has been a rise of 572 sq km in dense forest area and 30 sq km in open forest in the current year, while the area of moderately dense forest fell by 490 sq km. UP also entered the Guinness Book of World Records for planting the highest number of saplings in a single day.
Question: A recent survey conducted by Ernst and Young has shown which country to be the top FDI destination during the first half of 2015?
A. China
B. Japan
C. India
D. None of the above
Answer: India
Explanation: A recent survey conducted by Ernst & Young has found India is the top FDI destination during the first half of 2015. The survey entitled “Ready, Set, Group: EY’s 2015 India Attractiveness Survey” has sown increased investor interest in the nation. Close to 500 international leaders from numerous organisations worldwide were part of the survey. Close to 32% of the voters polled India as the most attractive FDI destination.
Question: China’s first domestically developed electricity powered aircraft was approved for production on 4th December 2015. What is it called?
A. RC1E
B. RD1E
C. RX1E
D. None of the above
Answer: RX1E
Explanation: RX1E was approved for production on December 4th 2015 by the Civil Aviation Administration of ChinA. This electric light sport aircraft was put together by Shenyang Aerospace University and will be the first manned electric light aircraft of ChinA. This two seater plane is powered by lithium batteries.
Question: Recent decision by Defence Ministry allows women air force pilots in IAF on an experimental basis for how many years?
A. 3
B. 5
C. 7
D. 9
Answer: 5
Explanation: The Defence Ministry has taken the decision to allow women fighter pilots in the Indian Air Force on a temporary basis for a period of 5 years. In October, the Defence Ministry had made the announcement that women would be allowed into combat roles for the first time, commencing with the Air Force.
Question: Punjab is going to set up its ___ Pay Commission to provide recommendations for new pay scales for employees.
A. 3rd
B. 4th
C. 5th
D. 6th
Answer: 6th
Explanation: The new commission will have the mandate to provide recommendations regarding new pay scales for employees. The 6th Punjab Pay Commission’s composition, terms and conditions will be finalised shortly by the State Personnel Department. New pay commission will provide recommendations with regard to new pay scales for employees and revision for pensioners.
Question: Researchers have found where water ions escape from an ion exhaust out of the atmosphere of which planet?
A. Pluto
B. Mars
C. Saturn
D. Neptune
Answer: Saturn
Explanation: Scientists have found how water ions escape from the environment of Saturn after a point has been located from where the ions leave the planet’s atmosphere. Cassini has been in orbit collecting data since 2004 regarding this planet. An instrument on this space probe measures the charged particles called plasma trapped in space surrounding Saturn through a magnetic fielD. Cassini had earlier discovered that Saturn’s plasma comprises water ions derived from its moon Enceladus. The scientists also discovered reconnection, a holy grail of plasma physics.
Question: Indian offspinner launched India’s first every comprehensive sports platform on 5th December 2015. What is it called?
A. BookMyMatch
B. BookMySports
C. BookAMatch
D. BookASports
Answer: BookMySports
Explanation: Indian offspinner Harbhajan SIngh launched the first every comprehensive sports platform BookMySports which serves as an interface between the Indian public and their access to sports facilities and organising the tournaments. This product is especially relevant for metros where there is less time and space to engage in sports.
Question: Negotiators from how many countries delivered a blueprint on 5th December 2015 for saving mankind from historic global warming?
A. 193
B. 195
C. 197
D. 200
Answer: 195
Explanation: 195 nations delivered a blueprint for a pact for saving mankind from global warming raising hopes of a historic agreement in Paris. Planned deal will break the dependence of the world on fossil fuel energy. Around 50 personalities indicated that they would fight climate change including US actor Sean Penn and Internet tycoon from China, Jack Ma.
Question: Which bill was recently passed by the Delhi Assembly providing for an ombudsman with the power to act against government functionaries including those belonging to the Centre on 5th December 2015?
A. Jan Lokpal Bill
B. Delhi School Education (Amendment) Bill (DSEAA)
C. Delhi School (Verification of Accounts and Refund of Excess Fee) Bill
D. All of the above
Answer: Jan Lokpal Bill
Explanation: Delhi Assembly has passed the Jan Lokpal Bill which provides for an ombudsman to act against government functionaries including those of the Centre, which was a tribute to veteran activist Anna Hazare.The bill received 64 votes in favour in a 70 member Delhi Assembly. The Bill has also made provision for one additional HC judge, one eminent person and a former chairperson in the selection panel for the Jan Lokpal. As per the Bill, the impeachment process for the removal will commence only after HC monitors probe against Lokpal. As per provisions of the Bill, Lokpal can even probe corruption against Union Ministers and central government officials in Delhi/NCR.
Question: Scientists have found the faintest object ever seen in the early universe around ____ million years following the Big Bang.
A. 200
B. 300
C. 400
D. 500
Answer: 400
Explanation: Through the combined power of Hubble and Spitzer space telescopes, scientists have unearthed the faintest object seen in the universe which existed 400 million years following the big Ban 13.8 billion years ago. The object has been named Tayna which stands for "first-born" in Aymara, a language spoken in the Andes and Altiplano regions of South AmericA. This object represents a fainter class of newly forming galaxies which had escaped detection till now. The remote object is part of a discovery of 22 young galaxies at ancient times located nearly at the observable horizon of the universe.
Question: India will attain a larger green cover as per which report according to environment minister Prakash Javdekar?
A. India State of Forest Report 2015
B. India Forest Report 2015
C. Indian Forestry Report 2015
D. None of the above
Answer: India State of Forest Report 2015
Explanation: India will attain larger green cover and more potential for carbon absorption as part of the INDC or Intended Nationally Determined Contributions as the India State of Forest Report 2015 was releaseD. As per the INDC, India has committed the creation of additional carbon sink for 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO2 equal to 2030 through a planned afforestation drive. In INDC, a target of 250 crore tonnes of carbon sink will be created.
Question: Indian startups raised how much money in the first quarter of the current fiscal in terms of USD billion?
A. 1.3
B. 1.7
C. 2.3
D. 2.7
Answer: 1.7
Explanation: Startups have raised USD 1.7 billion in Q1 of 2015 according to the telecom ministry. This is 300 percent more than USD 450 million raised during the first quarter of 2014. Modi tackled lack of coherent policy framework to support innovation and induce inclusive development.
Question: Gold Monetisation scheme has been declared as _______ by FinMin
A. Voluntary
B. Involuntary
C. Mandatory
D. Both b and c
Answer: Voluntary
Explanation: Gold Monetisation Scheme is considered purely voluntary for individuals and institutions and they can make their own decision for monetising gold held by them. This is in response to reports that government will directly intervene to monetise gold held by charitable, religious and other institutions.
Question: A planet has the potential to produce ________ with energy equivalent to a billion megaton bombs, which may severely disrupt power grids and communication systems on the Earth, a new study has found.
A. Solar flares
B. Super flares
C. Hydrogen flares
D. Helium flares
Answer: Super flares
Explanation: UK researchers discovered stellar superflare on a star with wave patterns similar to those that have been observed in solar flares. Found in the Milky Way , the binary star, KIC9655129, is known to produce superflare. Researchers suggest due to the similarities between the superflare on KIC9655129 and the Sun's solar flares, the underlying physics of the flares might be the same.
Question: According to scientists, which is the hardest known material known to man?
A. Graphite
B. Diamond
C. Q-carbon
D. C-carbon
Answer: Q-carbon
Explanation: Diamond was once the hardest known naturally occurring material. Carbon has been used with a new process to create a substance called Q-carbon which is harder than diamond and graphite. This showcases the third phase or distinct form of carbon alongside graphite and diamonD. The process of creating Q-carbon produces minuscule synthetic diamond "seeds," which can yield gems. Opportunities for creating synthetic gemstones pales next to possible applications of Q-carbon which the researchers said is magnetic, fluorescent and electroconductive.
Question: Flipkart has acquired a strategic minority stake in which online company?
A. Snapdeal
B. Mantra
C. MapmyIndia
D. None of the above
Answer: MapmyIndia
Explanation: Flipkart has acquired a strategic minority stake in online digital map platform for GPS navigation called MapmyIndiA. Early financial investors Nexus Venture Partners and Lightbox Ventures will exit this company following this investment. Acquisition of this company’s stake will boost Flipkart’s logistics operations.
Question: Richest ___ of people produce 50% of the carbon emissions on earth, as per an estimate by Oxfam.
A. 6%
B. 7%
C. 8%
D. 10%
Answer: 10%
Explanation: Richest 10% of people produce half of the carbon emissions on earth, while the 50% poorest contribute a mere 10%, according to UK charity Oxfam. Richest 10% have carbon footprint which is 11 times that of poorest 3.5 billion persons on the planet. The biggest challenge facing climate change initiatives is funding for developing nations.
Question: Sugar production was up ___ at 23.6 LT in October-November 2015, according to ISMA.
A. 23%
B. 24%
C. 25%
D. 26%
Answer: 24%
Explanation: Sugar production has been notched up 24% at 23.6 LT in October-November according to ISMA. ISMA sugar production rose 24% on account of higher output from MaharashtrA. Sugar export from India which is the world’s second largest producer and biggest consumer was pegged at 1.75 lakh tonnes during October to November. As per market reports, around 4 lakh tonnes of contracts for exports have been finalised, mostly as white sugar, and around 1.75 lakh tonnes of sugar exports have taken place since October one, 2015, ISMA also said.
Question: RBI released revised priority sector lending guidelines for ___________ banks on 3rd December 2015.
A. Scheduled
B. Commercial
C. Regional Rural
D. Agricultural
Answer: Regional Rural
Explanation: RBI has released revised priority sector lending guidelines for regional rural banks as per new norms, according to which 18% of outstanding will have to be advanced to agricultural activities. A target of 7.5 percent of total outstanding is to be diverted into micro enterprises and another 15% for weaker sections. New norms will be implemented from January 1, 2015.
Question: Which bank has won the Bank of the Year award in UK on 3rd December 2015?
A. Yes Bank
B. HDFC Bank
C. ICICI Bank
D. None of the above
Answer: Yes Bank
Explanation: Yes Bank has won Bank of the year award in the UK given by Banker’s magazine and regarded as the Oscars of the banking industry. Yes Bank is only 11 years olD. Previous winners of this award were large banks. For winning this award, banks from 120 nations were evaluated on numerous parameters such financial figures, technology, innovation, performance and marketing initiatives.
Question: Boeing has announced the setting up of a facility in Telangana for making fuselage for Apache helicopters with which company in a JV?
A. TASL
B. TCS
C. Honeywell
D. None of the above
Answer: TASL
Explanation: In a major step forward for the Telangana aerospace sector, Minister of IT K. T. Rama Rao has announced the setting up of a facility on the outskirts of the city to create fuselage for Apache helicopters in a collaboration between Boeing India and TASL.
Question: Country’s third largest software firm will acquire German IT consulting firm Cellent AG for INR 518 crore. Which company is this?
A. TCS
B. Cognizant
C. Infosys
D. Wipro
Answer: Wipro
Explanation: The third largest software services company Wipro will acquire German IT consulting company Cellent AG for INR 518 crore. The all cash deal will conclude in March 2016, according to a BSE filing by the company. The agreement has been signed with Landesbank Baden-Wuerttemberg (LBBW) to acquire Cellent AG for 73.5 million euros. Wipro subsidiary Wipro Cyprus is making the acquisition which will provide significant scale for the company in the DACH region (Austria, Germany and Switzerland). The German company founded in 2002 has 8 offices in Germany, 2 in Austria and 1 in Switzerland.
Question: Finnish telecom group Nokia shareholders have approved the acquisition by the company of which firm/rival group?
A. Vodafone
B. British Telecom
C. Alcatel Lucent
D. None of the above
Answer: Alcatel Lucent
Explanation: Shareholders in a Finnish telecom company Nokia have approved purchase of French American rival group Alcatel Lucent. The shareholders backed the merger plan sans a vote as none of the shareholders present raised objections. Nokia is currently a leading mobile telephone maker and the combined revenue with Alcatel Lucent stands at USD 26.5 billion.
Question: A massive coalition of nations have announced which pact to make water systems more resilient to climate impacts?
A. Paris Pact on Water Management
B. Paris Pact on Water Management and Climate Change Adaptation
C. Paris Pact on Water and Climate Change Adaptation
D. Paris Pact on Water Management and Climate Change
Answer: Paris Pact on Water and Climate Change Adaptation
Explanation: A massive coalition of nations including India, river basin organisations and business as well as civil societies from around the world have announced the Paris Pact on Water and Climate Change Adaptation to make water systems more resilient to climate impacts. This represents USD 20 million in technical assistance and USD 1 billion in financing. India has committed improvement in the ground water management of the nation as part of this pact. The announcement was part of the "Water Resilience Focus" event under the Lima to Paris Action Agenda (LPAA) on climate change which is a joint undertaking of the Peruvian and French COP (conference of parties) presidencies, the Office of the secretary-general of the United Nations and the UNFCCC Secretariat.
Question: World AIDS Day was observed on which day?
A. 30th November
B. 1st December
C. 2nd December
D. 3rd December
Answer: 1st December
Explanation: The day was observed across the globe with the theme “Getting to zero: End AIDS by 2030”. Federal theme for the day was “The Time to Act is Now.” Both themes comply with fast-track strategy of UNAIDS, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, to end the AIDs epidemic by 2030 and ensure the averting of 21 million AIDSs-related deaths, 28 million new HIV infections and 5.9 million new infections among children by 2030. Idea to observe World AIDS day was first proposed by Bunn and Netter in 1987.
Question: Aricent has partnered which foundation to launch its employability program?
A. ASSOCHAM
B. FICCI
C. NASSCOM
D. None of the above
Answer: NASSCOM
Explanation: Product engineering services firm, Aricent, has partnered with Nasscom Foundation to launch “Aricent Employability Programme.” This is a CSR initiative to create employability opportunities for 2,500 engineering graduates. The programme will be offered to under graduate students across Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Delhi NCR and Rajasthan, company officials said.
Question: Who has been elected as the new president of Burkina Faso on 1st December 2015?
A. R. M. C. Kabore
B. Roch March Christian Kabore
C. Both a and b are the same
D. Z. Diabre
Answer: Both a and b are the same
Explanation: The preliminary results of the Burkina Faso election provided Roch March Christian Kabore with an outright win. He is the winner of the freest election since this West African country won independence from France in 1960, dedicated his victory to those who died overthrowing strongman Blaise Compaore last year and during a failed military coup in September. Kabore avoided a runoff by winning 53 percent of the vote. Second closest contender Diabre had nearly 30 percent of the vote, according to preliminary results. Fourteen candidates took part in presidential elections.
Question: Scientists have uncovered a rare fossil of which dinosaur that roamed earth up to 100 million years ago?
A. Ceratopsis
B. T-rex
C. Laramidia
D. None of the above
Answer: Ceratopsis
Explanation: Scientists have discovered a rare fossil of a dog sized horned dinosaur in eastern Northern America which roamed the earth 100 million years ago. Fossil identified by University of Bath researchers have found a east west divide in North American dinosaur evolution. During the Late Cretaceous period, 66-100 million years ago, the land mass that is now North America was divided in two continents by a shallow sea, the Western Interior Seaway, which ran from the Gulf of Mexico to the Arctic Ocean. Dinosaurs lived in the western continent called Laramidia were similar to those found in AsiA. Fossils from the lost continent of Appalachia have been lower with the exception of this are fossil found to belong to the horned dinosaurs Ceratopsis. The study highlights it as the first fossil from a ceratopsian dinosaur identified from this period of eastern North America.
Question: Researchers from Johns Hopkins University have discovered a method to turn human stem cells into _______ cells that transmit visual signals from the eye to the brain.
A. Brain nerve
B. Retinal nerve
C. Spinal cord
D. None of the above
Answer: Retinal nerve
Explanation: Death and dysfunction of the retinal never cells cause loss of sight in conditions like glaucoma and multiple sclerosis (MS). Stem cells can now be converted into retinal never cells and this could lead to the development of cell transplant therapies that restore vision in patients with glaucoma and MS. Through a genome editing laboratory tool, investigators inserted a fluorescent protein gene into the stem cells’ DNA using a method called called fluorescence-activated cell sorting to separate newly differentiated retinal ganglion (nerve) cells from a mixture of different cells into a highly purified cell population for the study.
Question: Which fruit’s fossilized remains have been discovered for the first time on December 1st 2015?
A. Peaches
B. Mangoes
C. Bananas
D. Apples
Answer: Peaches
Explanation: A Chinese professor made the first discovery of fossilized peaches. The discovery was made in Kunming, capital of Yunnan in southwest ChinA. The fossils were found to be dating back to more than 2.5 million years. This sheds new light on the evolutionary history of peaches which were thought to have originated in China.
Question: A new study suggests at University of Barcelona, Spain that fish show consciousness and emotions. What is the exact term of this manifestation?
A. Emotional high
B. Emotional fever
C. Emotional neurosis
D. None of the above
Answer: Emotional fever
Explanation: Fish have been found to display emotional fever or slight rise in body temperature in stressful situations linked by emotions and consciousness. Researchers from University of Barcelona and Stirling as well as Bristol have observed an increase in body temperature of 2-4 degrees in zebra fish when subject to stress. Phenomenon is known as emotional fever and is related to what animals feel in face of external stimulus.
Question: India’s Q2 GDP was pegged at ____ percent compared to 7% in the previous quarter.
A. 7.3
B. 7.4
C. 7.5
D. 7.6
Answer: 7.4
Explanation: India’s second quarter GDP grew at 7.4 percent as against 7% in the previous quarter boosted by a nominal increase in agriculture sector growth, which stood at 2.2 percent, compared to 1.9 percent QoQ. Mining sector grew at 3.2 percent versus 4 percent while manufacturing growth stood at 9.3 percent, compared to 7.9 percent QoQ.Growth in output of India's eight "core" sectors for the month of October was flat at 3.2 percent due to drop in crude oil and steel production. The growth remain unchanged when compared to the month of August. The eight core sector industries include coal, crude oil, natural gas, refinery products, fertiliser, steel, cement and electricity.
Question: India receives USD _________billion FDI in Oct-Sep period 2015.
A. 32.63
B. 32.85
C. 32.87
D. 32.89
Answer: 32.87
Explanation: Sectors which attracted FDI in this period comprise computer software and hardware, services sector, trading, automobile, construction activities, chemicals, power, pharmaceuticals, industrial machinery and food processing. In the defence and railway related components, the country received only USD 0.08 million (INR 0.48 crore) and USD 23.2 million (INR 146.65 crore) FDI during the October-September perioD. Retail trading attracted USD 70.75 million investment in this period.
Question: India has imported how many LT of pulses till September 2015, according to estimates by Commerce and Industry Ministry?
A. 22.35
B. 22.36
C. 22.37
D. None of the above
Answer: 22.37
Explanation: India has imported 23.7 LT of pulses till September at USD 1612 mn till September in the current fiscal. During the April-September period, maximum inward shipments of lentils came from Canada at 9.30 lakh tonnes, followed by 5.52 lakh tonnes from Myanmar and 2.23 lakh tonnes from AustraliA. In 2015, the price of pulses touched a high of INR 210 per kg.
Question: Japan is set to give India development assistance loan worth how much for Chennai and Ahmedabad Metro projects?
A. INR 5479 crore
B. INR 4410 crore
C. INR 5000 crore
D. None of the above
Answer: INR 5479 crore
Explanation: Japan will provide development assistance loan worth INR 5479 crore for Chennai and Ahmedabad Metro development projects. An agreement has been signed for JPY 19.981 billion (about Rs 1,069 crore) for the Chennai Metro Rail Project (IV) and JPY 82.434 billion (about Rs 4,410 crore) for Ahmedabad Metro Project.
Question: Government has granted in principle approval to 20 NIMZs. What is the full form of NIMZ?
A. National Indian Manufacturing Zones
B. National Investment and Manufacturing Zones
C. National Investing and Manufacturing Zones
D. None of the above
Answer: National Investment and Manufacturing Zones
Explanation: Government has granted in principle approval to 20 National Investment and Manufacturing Zones, 12 of which are located outside DMIC namely:
1. Nagpur, Maharashtra;
2. Tumkur, Karnataka;
3. Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh;
4. Prakasam, Andhra Pradesh;
5. Medak, Telangana;
6. Kolar, Karnataka;
7. Bidar, Karnataka;
8. Gulbarga, Karnataka;
9. Jajpur, Odisha;
10. Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu;
11. Auraiya, Uttar Pradesh
12. Jhansi, UP
Question: FDI up to ___% is now permitted in e-commerce companies provided such firms engage in B2B e-commerce.
A. 50
B. 75
C. 100
D. 95
Answer: 100
Explanation: FDI up to 100% under the automatic route has been permitted in companies providing B2B e-commerce. Such entities will only be permitted to undertake retail trading through e-commerce under the following circumstances:
- Manufacturer will sell products manufactured in India through e-commerce retail
- Single brand retail trading entity operating via brick and mortar stores will undertaken retail trading through e-commerce
- India manufacturers will only be able to sell own single brand products via e-commerce retail
Question: Global Innovation index released by Cornell University, INSEAD and WIPO on 30th November 2015 has placed India at which rank in 2015?
A. 79
B. 80
C. 81
D. 82
Answer: 81
Explanation: Global Innovation Index/GII released by INSEAD, World Intellectual Property Organisation and Cornell University and their knowledge partners like CII has placed india at rank 81 in 2015. India ranked 76 in 2014 and 66 in 2013. It was rank 64 in 2012. GII covers 141 nations across the world and uses 79 indicators across numerous themes. Rankings are based on data collected during earlier years.
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