Current Affairs Quiz - January, 2019
1. Which state’s women has recently formed 620-km-long ‘wall’ to uphold gender equality?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Karnataka
[C] Kerala
[D] Odisha
[B] Karnataka
[C] Kerala
[D] Odisha
Correct Answer: C [Kerala]
Notes:
In Kerala, around 50 lakhs of women assembled under the aegis of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) to create an almost unbroken human wall that stretched 620 km from Kasaragod in north Kerala to Thiruvananthapuram in the south on 1st January 2019. Marshalled by the Kerala government and a section of Hindu organisations, the wall was organised against the backdrop of the Supreme Court verdict on Sabarimala. The programme ended with a joint pledge to harness the power of renaissance principles to insulate society against revanchist forces that sought to push Kerala back to the dark ages of casteism and discriminatory religious practices. The event was organised by the ruling CPI(M) along with over 176 other socio-political organisations, including the CPI, Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam and the Kerala Pulayar Maha Sabha.
In Kerala, around 50 lakhs of women assembled under the aegis of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) to create an almost unbroken human wall that stretched 620 km from Kasaragod in north Kerala to Thiruvananthapuram in the south on 1st January 2019. Marshalled by the Kerala government and a section of Hindu organisations, the wall was organised against the backdrop of the Supreme Court verdict on Sabarimala. The programme ended with a joint pledge to harness the power of renaissance principles to insulate society against revanchist forces that sought to push Kerala back to the dark ages of casteism and discriminatory religious practices. The event was organised by the ruling CPI(M) along with over 176 other socio-political organisations, including the CPI, Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam and the Kerala Pulayar Maha Sabha.
2. Who is the recipient of the 2019 National Nritya Shiromani Award?
[A] Gudiseva Shyam Prasad
[B] Upmaka Durga Prasad Rao
[C] Talluri Sunil Chowdaryu
[D] Anindita Neogy Anaam
[B] Upmaka Durga Prasad Rao
[C] Talluri Sunil Chowdaryu
[D] Anindita Neogy Anaam
Correct Answer: D [Anindita Neogy Anaam]
Notes:
On January 2, US-based Kathak exponent Anindita Neogy Anaam has been honoured with the National Nritya Shiromani award for promoting the dance form across the world. The award was conferred on her in Cuttack at the 10th Cuttack Mahotsav : International Dance and Music festival in Odisha. The fest is organised by Utkal Yuva Sanskrutik Sangh (UYSS) in association with Cuttack district administration. Anindita Anaam is also recipient of prestigious national awards like Jayadev Rashtriya Puraskar and Bidagdha Nartaki Samman for her outstanding achievement in the preservation and promotion of Indian art in India and abroad.
On January 2, US-based Kathak exponent Anindita Neogy Anaam has been honoured with the National Nritya Shiromani award for promoting the dance form across the world. The award was conferred on her in Cuttack at the 10th Cuttack Mahotsav : International Dance and Music festival in Odisha. The fest is organised by Utkal Yuva Sanskrutik Sangh (UYSS) in association with Cuttack district administration. Anindita Anaam is also recipient of prestigious national awards like Jayadev Rashtriya Puraskar and Bidagdha Nartaki Samman for her outstanding achievement in the preservation and promotion of Indian art in India and abroad.
3. Which European country has recently introduced GAFA Tax on Global Internet, Technology Firm?
[A] Sweden
[B] France
[C] Italy
[D] Germany
[B] France
[C] Italy
[D] Germany
Correct Answer: B [France ]
Notes:
France has recently introduced a new “GAFA tax” – named after the large internet and technology companies viz. Google, Apple, Facebook and Amazon – to ensure the global giants pay a fair share of taxes on their massive businesses in Europe. The so-called GAFA tax targeting major digital firms comes into force on 1st January 2019. Some other EU member states such as Britain, Spain and Italy are also working on national versions of a digital tax, with Singapore and India also planning their own schemes.
France has recently introduced a new “GAFA tax” – named after the large internet and technology companies viz. Google, Apple, Facebook and Amazon – to ensure the global giants pay a fair share of taxes on their massive businesses in Europe. The so-called GAFA tax targeting major digital firms comes into force on 1st January 2019. Some other EU member states such as Britain, Spain and Italy are also working on national versions of a digital tax, with Singapore and India also planning their own schemes.
4. What is the theme of the 106th edition of Indian Science Congress (ISC-2019)?
[A] Reaching the Unreached through Science and Technology
[B] Science and Technology for Human Development
[C] Future India: Science & Technology
[D] Innovations in Science & Technology
[B] Science and Technology for Human Development
[C] Future India: Science & Technology
[D] Innovations in Science & Technology
Correct Answer: C [Future India: Science & Technology]
Notes:
The 106th Indian Science Congress (ISC-2019) has been inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Jalandhar, Punjab from 3rd January 2019. The theme of the 5-day science congress is ‘Future India: Science & Technology’. Approx 30,000 delegates, including 300 top scientists and Nobel Laureates from across world are attending the congress. In it, around 100 plus conferences and events of scientific and technology origin will also be held, where eminent personalities from DRDO, ISRO, DST, AIIMS, UGC, AICTE, and many elite universities of the USA, UK, India and other countries will participate. The event will play a pivotal role in stimulating scientific research effort and raising the scientific temperament in the country and the world. There will also be four parallel mega events, including the children’s science conference; women’s science conference; science communicators’ meet; and, science exhibition. The exhibition will see participation from the national and international science companies, especially from the US, Australia, Germany and Switzerland.
The 106th Indian Science Congress (ISC-2019) has been inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Jalandhar, Punjab from 3rd January 2019. The theme of the 5-day science congress is ‘Future India: Science & Technology’. Approx 30,000 delegates, including 300 top scientists and Nobel Laureates from across world are attending the congress. In it, around 100 plus conferences and events of scientific and technology origin will also be held, where eminent personalities from DRDO, ISRO, DST, AIIMS, UGC, AICTE, and many elite universities of the USA, UK, India and other countries will participate. The event will play a pivotal role in stimulating scientific research effort and raising the scientific temperament in the country and the world. There will also be four parallel mega events, including the children’s science conference; women’s science conference; science communicators’ meet; and, science exhibition. The exhibition will see participation from the national and international science companies, especially from the US, Australia, Germany and Switzerland.
5. Who has been conferred with ISRS National Geospatial Award for Excellence-2017 (LTA Award)?
[A] Jayanta Kumar Ghosh
[B] Manorhar Reddy
[C] Hardeep Singh Puri
[D] Pon Radhakrishnan
[B] Manorhar Reddy
[C] Hardeep Singh Puri
[D] Pon Radhakrishnan
Correct Answer: A [Jayanta Kumar Ghosh ]
Notes:
Prof. Jayanta Kumar Ghosh of IIT Roorkee was conferred with ISRS National Geospatial Award for Excellence-2017 (Life Time Achievement Award) at the Space Application Centre in Ahmedabad. He won the award for his contribution towards the development of geospatial science and applications. The award comprised a citation, a medal and Rs 1 lakh. The Indian Society for Remote Sensing (ISRS ) is an organization known in the area of space science, remote sensing and geo-spatial technology.
Prof. Jayanta Kumar Ghosh of IIT Roorkee was conferred with ISRS National Geospatial Award for Excellence-2017 (Life Time Achievement Award) at the Space Application Centre in Ahmedabad. He won the award for his contribution towards the development of geospatial science and applications. The award comprised a citation, a medal and Rs 1 lakh. The Indian Society for Remote Sensing (ISRS ) is an organization known in the area of space science, remote sensing and geo-spatial technology.
6. Who has been appointed as the new Chief Justice of Pakistan?
[A] Asif Saeed Khosa
[B] Nasir-ul-Mulk
[C] Jawwad S. Khawaja
[D] Anwar Zaheer Jamali
[B] Nasir-ul-Mulk
[C] Jawwad S. Khawaja
[D] Anwar Zaheer Jamali
Correct Answer: A [Asif Saeed Khosa]
Notes:
On 2 January 2019, President Arif Alvi appointed Justice Asif Saeed Khosa as the new Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP). Khosa will succeed Mian Saqib Nisar on 18th January and will remain at seat till December 20, 2019. The Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) is the head of the court system of Pakistan (the judicature branch of government) and the chief judge of the Supreme Court of Pakistan. He is responsible for supervising federal judicial policies, and conducting judicial business in the Supreme Court.
On 2 January 2019, President Arif Alvi appointed Justice Asif Saeed Khosa as the new Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP). Khosa will succeed Mian Saqib Nisar on 18th January and will remain at seat till December 20, 2019. The Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) is the head of the court system of Pakistan (the judicature branch of government) and the chief judge of the Supreme Court of Pakistan. He is responsible for supervising federal judicial policies, and conducting judicial business in the Supreme Court.
7. Under the Right to Education (RTE) amendment Bill 2018, which of the following measures is/are taken by the Parliament?
[A] To abolish no-detention policy till class 8
[B] Enable state governments to allow schools to fail students
[C] Provides regular examination in classes V and VIII
[D] All of the above
[B] Enable state governments to allow schools to fail students
[C] Provides regular examination in classes V and VIII
[D] All of the above
Correct Answer: D [All of the above]
Notes:
Parliament has passed the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (Amendment) Bill, 2018, with the Rajya Sabha approving it on 3rd January 2019. The bill seeks to amend a law to abolish the ‘no detention policy’ till Class VIII by enabling state governments to allow schools to fail students. The Lok Sabha had already passed the bill seeking to further amend the Right to Education (RTE) Act of 2009 to abolish the no-detention policy in schools on July 2018. Under the current provisions of the RTE Act, no student can be detained till class 8 and all students are promoted to the next grade. As per the amendment, it would be left to the States to decide whether to continue the no-detention policy. HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar assured the Rajya Sabha that no child will be excluded from school in case he or she fails. The Bill provides for a regular examination in classes V and VIII and if the child fails, he or she shall be given additional opportunity for re-examination in two months’ time.
Parliament has passed the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (Amendment) Bill, 2018, with the Rajya Sabha approving it on 3rd January 2019. The bill seeks to amend a law to abolish the ‘no detention policy’ till Class VIII by enabling state governments to allow schools to fail students. The Lok Sabha had already passed the bill seeking to further amend the Right to Education (RTE) Act of 2009 to abolish the no-detention policy in schools on July 2018. Under the current provisions of the RTE Act, no student can be detained till class 8 and all students are promoted to the next grade. As per the amendment, it would be left to the States to decide whether to continue the no-detention policy. HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar assured the Rajya Sabha that no child will be excluded from school in case he or she fails. The Bill provides for a regular examination in classes V and VIII and if the child fails, he or she shall be given additional opportunity for re-examination in two months’ time.
8. Which of the following has become the India’s largest Asset Management Company (AMC)?
[A] Aditya Birla Sun Life Mutual Fund
[B] SBI Mutual Fund
[C] ICICI Prudential MF
[D] HDFC Mutual Fund
[B] SBI Mutual Fund
[C] ICICI Prudential MF
[D] HDFC Mutual Fund
Correct Answer: D [HDFC Mutual Fund]
Notes:
HDFC Mutual Fund has surpassed ICICI Prudential MF to become the India’s largest Asset Management Company (AMC). As per the latest data available with Association of Mutual funds in India (Amfi), HDFC MF manages assets worth Rs 3.35 lakh crore, while ICICI Prudential MF stood at Rs 3.08 lakh crore as of December 2018. MFs are investment vehicles made up of a pool of funds collected from a large number of investors and invest in stocks, bonds and money market instruments, among others.
HDFC Mutual Fund has surpassed ICICI Prudential MF to become the India’s largest Asset Management Company (AMC). As per the latest data available with Association of Mutual funds in India (Amfi), HDFC MF manages assets worth Rs 3.35 lakh crore, while ICICI Prudential MF stood at Rs 3.08 lakh crore as of December 2018. MFs are investment vehicles made up of a pool of funds collected from a large number of investors and invest in stocks, bonds and money market instruments, among others.
9. Dibyendu Palit, who passed away recently, was the renowned writer of which language?
[A] Bengali
[B] Urdu
[C] Tamil
[D] Malayalam
[B] Urdu
[C] Tamil
[D] Malayalam
Correct Answer: A [Bengali ]
Notes:
Dibyendu Palit (79), the renowned Bengali writer and Sahitya Akademi awardee, has passed away in Kolkata, West Bengal on 3rd January 2019. Born in Bhagalpur in Bihar in 1939, Palit had studied comparative literature in Jadavpur University and his first short story ‘Chhandopatan’ was published in 1955 in the Sunday edition of Anandabazar Patrika. It was followed by his first novel ‘Sindhu Baroan’ published in 1959. He was awarded the ‘Bankim Purashkar’ for ‘Dheu’ in 1990 and ‘Ananda Purashkar’ in 1984 for ‘Sahojoddha’. He was conferred the Sahitya Akademi for his novel ‘Anubhab’ in 1998.
Dibyendu Palit (79), the renowned Bengali writer and Sahitya Akademi awardee, has passed away in Kolkata, West Bengal on 3rd January 2019. Born in Bhagalpur in Bihar in 1939, Palit had studied comparative literature in Jadavpur University and his first short story ‘Chhandopatan’ was published in 1955 in the Sunday edition of Anandabazar Patrika. It was followed by his first novel ‘Sindhu Baroan’ published in 1959. He was awarded the ‘Bankim Purashkar’ for ‘Dheu’ in 1990 and ‘Ananda Purashkar’ in 1984 for ‘Sahojoddha’. He was conferred the Sahitya Akademi for his novel ‘Anubhab’ in 1998.
10. Which of the following railway zones has launched mobile app to help people navigate through Prayagraj city during Kumbh Mela?
[A] North Eastern Railway
[B] Northeast Frontier Railway
[C] North Western Railway
[D] North Central Railway
[B] Northeast Frontier Railway
[C] North Western Railway
[D] North Central Railway
Correct Answer: D [North Central Railway]
Notes:
The North Central Railway (NCR) has launched a ‘Rail Kumbh Seva Mobile App’ to help people navigate through Prayagraj city during Kumbh Mela starting from January 15. The app will also provide information regarding all the ‘Mela special’ trains that will be run during the period. Additionally, the app will provide a link to the user to buy both unreserved and reserved train tickets. Mr Malviya said, through this app, the users will not only get to know their current location, but will also be able to reach to all railway stations, the mela zone, major hotels, bus stations and other facilities within Prayagraj. A photo gallery, containing pictures of previous Kumbh Melas can also be accessed through the app.
The North Central Railway (NCR) has launched a ‘Rail Kumbh Seva Mobile App’ to help people navigate through Prayagraj city during Kumbh Mela starting from January 15. The app will also provide information regarding all the ‘Mela special’ trains that will be run during the period. Additionally, the app will provide a link to the user to buy both unreserved and reserved train tickets. Mr Malviya said, through this app, the users will not only get to know their current location, but will also be able to reach to all railway stations, the mela zone, major hotels, bus stations and other facilities within Prayagraj. A photo gallery, containing pictures of previous Kumbh Melas can also be accessed through the app.