current affairs- 1 march -10 march -...

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Dr.G.R.PATIL EverestIAS.Com

Current Affairs- 1 March -10 March 1.The latest National Family Health Survey-4 (NFHS-4) for year 2015-16 reports that the sex ratio at birth (number of females per 1,000 males) improved from 914 to ______ at the national level over the last decade. A.920 B.925 C.919 D.917 Answer – C.919 Explanation :

✓ The latest National Family Health Survey-4 (NFHS-4) conducted for year 2015-16 was unveiled by Health Ministry in New Delhi.

✓ As per the survey report, the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) saw a decline from 57 to 41 per 1,000 live births between NFHS-3 (2005-06) and NFHS-4.

✓ As per the survey, the sex ratio at birth (number of females per 1,000 males) improved from 914 to 919 at the national level over the last decade with the highest in Kerala (1,047), followed by Meghalaya (1,009) and Chhattisgarh (977).

2.How much amount of Financing Agreement has been signed between India and World bank for the project Tejaswini on February 23, 2017? A.USD 76 million B.USD 45 million C.USD 63 million D.USD 52 million Answer – USD 63 million Explanation : ✓ India has signed a financing agreement of USD 63 million(equivalent)

with World Bank on 23rd February, 2017 in Jharkhand for its Socio-Economic Empowerment of Adolescent Girls and Young Women Project named “Tejaswini”. The

✓ World Bank will finance the project through its arm International Development Association (IDA).

✓ The project will be valid till June 30, 2021.

3. National Science Day is celebrated all over India with great enthusiasm on 28th of February in order to commemorate the invention of the Raman Effect in India by the Indian physicist, Sir C V Raman. What was the theme of 'National Science day, 2017'? A.Science for All B.Science and Technology for Sustainable Development C.Science for secured future

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D.Science and Technology for specially abled persons Answer-D Explanation National Science Day is celebrated all over India on 28th of February every year in order to commemorate the invention of the Raman Effect in India by the Indian physicist, Sir Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman on the same day in the year 1928. The theme of the year 2017 is “Science and Technology for specially abled persons”. 4. In which of the following Indian States/UTs, India’s first heliport has been inaugurated recently? (a) Tamil Nadu (b) Maharashtra (c) New Delhi (d) Chandigarh Answer-(c) Explanation ✓ Built by Pawan Hans Limited, a Public Sector Undertaking of the Ministry

of Civil Aviation, India’s first heliport has been inaugurated in North

Delhi’s Rohini.

✓ Union Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju inaugurated the

heliport. Pawan Hans Ltd Chairman and Managing Director B P Sharma

stated that the heliport has come up at an investment of Rs 100 crore.

5.As per the data by Union Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, over

______ districts in India have become Open Defecation Free till date under

Swachh Bharat Mission.

A.100 B.250 C.150 D.210

Answer – A.100 Explanation :

✓ The Union Minister of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar has informed that the number of ODF (Open Defecation Free) districts in India has crossed 100, making it a milestone achievement under the Swachh Bharat Mission. Besides, over 1.7 lakh villages across the country have also become ODF.

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6.The nationwide Swachhta Pakhwada has been organized by which ministry from March 1, 2017 to March 15, 2017 to raise awareness about Swachh Bharat Abhiyan? A.Ministry of Women & Child Development B.Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship C.Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga D.Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

Answer – A.Ministry of Women & Child Development Explanation :

✓ The Ministry of Women & Child Development is observing the Swachhta Pakhwada from March 1, 2017 to March 15, 2017 and raise awareness about Swachh Bharat Abhiyan among women and children.

✓ Aim: The Swachhta Pakhwada is observed by various Ministries of Government of India to achieve the goal of universal sanitation, hygiene and ‘open defecation free’ India by 2019.

✓ During the course of the progamme, various activities would be conducted throughout the country through the wide network of Anganwadi Centres (AWCs).

7.Which country has decided to use the Russian ruble as its official currency along with its own existing official currency? A.Belarus B.Poland C.Ukraine D.Hungary Answer – C.Ukraine Explanation :

✓ Ukraine’s self-proclaimed Luhansk People’s Republic, state in eastern Ukraine, will use the Russian ruble as its official currency, along with the Ukrainian Hryvnia.

✓ The Russian ruble is already being used in pro-Russian territory which serves to stabilise the volatile economic situation in the region.

✓ The Luhansk’s central bank will announce the value of the ruble against the US dollar, euro, and hryvnia in the near future.

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8.The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) has signed an MoU with which organization on March 1, 2017 for the speedy implementation and success of Namami Gange? A.Sankat Mochan Foundation B.Rotary India C.Ganga Action Parivar D.Shuddhi Answer – B.Rotary India Explanation :

✓ The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) under Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation has signed an MoU with Rotary India in New Delhi on March 1, 2017.

✓ Aim: To make Namami Gange programme a mass movement through the involvement of more and more voluntary organizations.

✓ The MoU was signed by Director General, National Mission for Clean Ganga Shri UP Singh and Vice Chairman of Rotary India Shri PT Prabhakar.

✓ The MoU shall remain in force for two years. Rotary India will support clean Ganga mission through their ‘WASH in Schools’ program in various schools.

9.Who has been appointed as India’s next Ambassador to World Trade Organization with effect from June 2017? A.Arun Kumar Singh B.Navtej Sarna C.JS Deepak D.Nirupama Rao Answer – C.JS Deepak Explanation :

✓ Union Telecom Secretary JS Deepak has been appointed as India’s next Ambassador to the Geneva based World Trade Organization.

10.Punjab signed a renewed agreement with J&K on March 3, 2017 for the completion of the Shahpur Kandi Dam project. What is the total cost of the project? A.Rs. 2,525 crore B.Rs. 1,962 crore C.Rs. 2,285 crore D.Rs. 3,184 crore Answer – C.Rs 2,285 crore Explanation :

✓ A renewed agreement between Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir has been sealed for the completion of the Shahpur Kandi Dam project, work on which was halted two years ago following a dispute.

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✓ The dam will help India utilize its share of waters under Indus Water Treaty.

✓ The project is worth Rs 2,285 crore. The 55.5-metre high Shahpur Kandi dam in Punjab, will help in providing irrigation facility to 5000 hectares of land in Punjab and 32173 hectares in J&K, besides generation of 206 MW power

✓ The pact will pave the way for completion of the dam also would stop the Ravi waters from flowing into Pakistan.

11.India has completed fencing half of the 4,096 km border area which it shares with Bangladesh, the rest half is targeted to be completed by which year? A.2018 B.2020 C.2017 D.2019 Answer – D.2019 Explanation :

✓ As per the report by the Border Security Force (BSF), India has completed the process of fencing half of the 4,096 km of border area which it shares with Bangladesh and expects to finish fencing the rest by 2019.

✓ The aim of fencing is to curb infiltration and smuggling of cattle and fake Indian currency notes.

✓ BSF has also identified the plots and sent the proposal to the government for fencing the remaining area but land acquisition is a major challenge for completing the work by the 2019 deadline.

12.The NGT has passed an order on March 2, 2017 to prohibit any campaigning activity on beaches along the Ganga which fall within ________ meters from the middle of the river. A.50 meters B.75 meters C.150 meters D.100 meters Answer – D.100 meters Explanation :

✓ The National Green Tribunal has passed an order on March 2, 2017 prohibiting all camping activity on beaches along the Ganga which fall within 100 meters from the middle of the river during lean season flow from Shivpuri to Rishikesh, a hub for eco-tourism and river rafting.

✓ The Bench headed by NGT chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar gave the judgment upon a petition filed by an environment activist Vikrant

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Tongad who highlighted that illegal and improper activity at the camping sites led to the pollution of Ganga, forest areas and was violating the norms and guidelines.

✓ The bench clarified that rafting which is one of the significant components of eco-tourism should be encouraged but it should not cause any environmental and bio-diversity degradation.

13.Operation Thunderbird and Operation Save Kurma was conducted by which agency to Combat Wildlife Crime? A.Wildlife Trust of India B.Wildlife Crime Control Bureau C.National Tiger Conservation Authority D.Wildlife Conservation Trust Answer – B. Wildlife Crime Control Bureau Explanation :

✓ The Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) under the Ministry of Environment and Forests coordinated nationwide ‘Operation Thunder Bird’ from January 30 to February 19, 2017 to combat illegal trade of wildlife animals in the country.

✓ The operation was undertaken in coordination with International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL).

✓ Operation Thunder Bird is the codename for Interpol’s multi-national and multi-species enforcement operation.

✓ It aimed to eliminate poaching of wildlife animals of India. ‘Operation Save Kurma’ is a turtle specific operation where over 15,000 live turtles were seized.

14.The Tirupati Airport in Andhra Pradesh has been renamed as ___________ A.Amaravati Airport B.Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Airport C.Sri Venkateswara Airport D.Sri Mukhalingam Airport Answer – C.Sri Venkateswara Airport Explanation :

✓ The Andhra Pradesh State Cabinet during a meeting chaired by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on March 2, 2017 approved proposals to rename the Vijayawada Airport and the Tirupati Airport. The cabinet proposed to rename the Vijayawada Airport in Gannavaram

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as ‘Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (NTR) Amaravati Airport’ after the legendary actor and founder of the ruling Telugu Desam Party and the new capital of Andhra Pradesh.

✓ The Tirupati Airport at Renigunta has been renamed as ‘Sri Venkateswara Airport’ after Lord Venkateswara of the temple town. The state government will send the renaming proposal to the Union Government for final approval.

15.Which state has launched the Tirtha Darshan Scheme on March 3, 2017 to enable the senior citizens belonging to BPL to go on pilgrimage at government expenses? A.Uttar Pradesh B.Bihar C.Haryana D.Sikkim Answer – C.Haryana Explanation :

✓ Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar announced Tirtha Darshan Scheme on March 3, 2017 during the ongoing budget session of the Haryana Assembly.

✓ Under the scheme, senior citizens of Haryana domicile above the age of 60 years will be able to go on a Pilgrimage within the country at government expense.

✓ The government would bear the entire cost of the tour of senior citizens belonging to Below Poverty Line (BPL) families.

✓ In case of a couple, the expenses of the spouse belonging to BPL family would also be borne by the government.

✓ They would also be allowed to take an assistant along with them.In case of senior citizens of non-BPL families, the government would bear only 70 percent of the cost.

16.Which north eastern state in India has agreed to supply additional 60 MW of power to Bangladesh to solve its power crisis? A.Assam B.Meghalaya C.Mizoram D.Tripura Answer – D.Tripura Explanation :

✓ North Eastern state Tripura has agreed to supply an additional 60 MW to Bangladesh over the 100 MW of power the north-eastern state is supplying to the neighbouring country.

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✓ This development comes after Bangladesh sought 100 MW electricity from India to solve its power crisis in the eastern part of the nation.

✓ They have no transmission facility to receive their entire request of 100 MW now.

✓ The Country has been receiving 100 MW since March 23, 2016, besides it has also been provided 500 MW by the West Bengal government.

17.Referred to as Father of Modern Transplantation, noted American physician Dr. ___________died on March 3, 2017 at the age of 90? A.Paul Antony B.Stephen Blaylock C.Ben Carson D.Thomas Starzl Answer – D.Thomas Starzl Explanation :

✓ The father of modern transplantation Dr. Thomas Starzl, and the key figure behind the world’s first baboon to human liver transplants and research on anti-rejection drugs, has died.

✓ He was 90. The American carried out the world’s first liver transplant in 1963, the world’s first successful liver transplant in 1967, and pioneered kidney transplantation from cadavers.

18.The largest flag of India measuring _______ feet was inaugurated on March 5, 2017 on the tallest flag post at the Indo-Pak Attari Border in Amritsar. A.300 ft B.390 ft C.310 ft D.360 ft Answer –D.360 ft Explanation :

✓ India’s largest flag was inaugurated on March 5, 2017 by Anil Joshi, Cabinet Minister of Punjab, on the tallest flag post at the Indo-Pak Attari Border in Amritsar just 150 m away from the border.

✓ The flag post measured 110 metres (360ft) in length, 24 metres in width and 55 tons in weight.

✓ The flag post was built by Amritsar Improvement Trust Authority of the Punjab government at an approximate cost of Rs. 3.50 crore.

✓ The flag post, installed at the border, became an attraction for thousands of tourists who had reached there to watch the Beating Retreat Ceremony during the sunset.

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19.The week long Bhagoria Festival is celebrated by tribal community of which Indian state? A.West Bengal B.Assam C.Madhya Pradesh D.Himachal Pradesh Answer – C.Madhya Pradesh Explanation :

✓ Bhagoria Festival, also known as Bhagoria Haat Festival, celebrated by the tribal people of the Indian state Madhya Pradesh began on March 6, 2017 in Jhabua district.

✓ The festival which has been organized at 34 places in the state is celebrated in the month of March before the Holi Festival by the local tribes called Bhils and Bhilalas.

✓ The week-long festival is organised at different Bhagoria haats (local markets) in the form of Svayamvara or Marriage Ceremony located in Jhabua, Alirajpur, Dhar, Khargone and Barwani districts in western Madhya Pradesh.

20.The first ever across-the-river” survey in Ganga is being conducted by which organization in coordination with the forest departments of Ganga basin states? A.National Green Tribunal B.National Wildlife Conservation Authority C.National Wildlife Trust D.Wildlife Institute of India Answer – D.Wildlife Institute of India Explanation :

✓ For the first time ever, the Government of India has launched a comprehensive and scientific “across-the-river” survey in the River Ganga to determine the population of aquatic life surviving in the River including the endangered Gangetic dolphin.

✓ The survey is being conducted by the Dehradun based Wildlife Institute of India in coordination with the forest departments of Ganga basin states of Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal.

✓ The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) said that the survey will act as a baseline scientific data for the government to take necessary measures to improve quality of the river water

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21.Indian Navy’s oldest flagship aircraft carrier INS ___________, also known as ‘Grand Old Lady’ was decommissioned on March 6, 2017 after being into service for 30 years. A.INS Vikram B.INS Vikramaditya C.INS Viraat D.INS Vedanta Answer – C.INS Viraat Explanation :

✓ Indian Navy’s flagship aircraft carrier, INS Viraat was decommissioned on March 6, 2017 at a solemn ceremony in Mumbai after nearly 30 years of service for Indian Navy.

✓ The ship which is famously known as the ‘Grand Old Lady’, was with the British Royal Navy since 1959 before the Indian government bought it for Rs 6.5 crore in 1987.

✓ The ship has a full load displacement of 28,700 tonnes, length of 226.5 metres and width of 48.78 metres. It manned 150 officers and 1,500 sailors.

✓ At present, INS Vikramaditya is the only serving aircraft carrier of the Indian Navy.

✓ The second warship named Vikrant is under construction at Cochin Shipyard Ltd and will commence trials by end-2018 or early 2019.

22.According to the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC)2017 report, nearly 45 percent of India’s total bird species have been found in which state? A.Himachal Pradesh B.Uttarakhand C.Gujarat D.Punjab Answer – A. Himachal Pradesh Explanation :

✓ According to the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC)-2017 report about 45 percent of country’s total bird spices were reported in Himachal Pradesh.

✓ The report says around 564 bird species, nearly 45 percent of the 1,263 Indian bird species, were reported during the 4-day bird count from February 17 to 20.

✓ During the survey a total of 2,833 bird check lists have been uploaded to eBird and over 16000 birds were counted from all districts of Himachal, with highest number 453 bird species reported from Kangra district.

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23.The Surya Kiran Xi is a joint military exercise of Indian Army with the Army troops of which country? A.China B.Japan C.Nepal D.Bangladesh Answer – C.Nepal Explanation :

✓ The two-week long India-Nepal joint military exercise ‘Surya Kiran-Xi‘ begins in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand on March 7, 2017.

✓ Aim: To train both the troops in the area of various counter insurgency operations over a prolonged period. It will also focus on other important aspects such as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations and environmental conservation.

✓ The Surya Kiran series of exercises are being conducted biannually, alternatively in India and Nepal. Surya Kiran-X was held in Nepal in December 2016.

24.The Trade Mark Rules 2017 which came into effect on March 6, 2017 has replaced which rule to simply the processing of Trade Mark applications? A.Trade Mark Rules 2000 B.Trade Mark Rules 2012 C.Trade Mark Rules 1999 D.Trade Mark Rules 2002 Answer – D.Trade Mark Rules 2002 Explanation :

✓ The government notified the Trade Mark Rules, 2017 that came into force from March 6, 2017. The Rules 2017 will replace the former Trade Mark Rules 2002 and will streamline and simplify the processing of Trade Mark applications.

✓ Number of Trade Mark (TM) Forms have been reduced from 74 to 8. The fee for online filing of TM applications has been kept at 10% lower than that for physical filing to promote e-filing.

✓ Also, based on stakeholder feedback, the fee for individuals, start-ups and small enterprises has been reduced to Rs. 4,500 against Rs. 8,000 proposed by the draft rules.

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25.India’s first smart tribal village has been inaugurated in which state on March 6, 2017? A.Jammu & Kashmir B.West Bengal C.Madhya Prdaesh D.Gujarat Answer – A.Jammu & Kashmir Explanation :

✓ Jammu and Kashmir’s first smart tribal village Habbi has inaugurated by Ch ZulfkarAli, J & K Minister for food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Ch ZulfkarAli on March 6 2017 in J & K. Habbi village is located in Kotranka in Rajouri District of Jammu and Kashmir.

✓ The smart village is developed by the rural development department. The village has been introduced with smart classes in the schools, better roads, electricity and water facility.

26.Kalika Prasad Bhattacharya who died on March 7, 2017 in a road accident was a noted ________ A.Writer B.Journalist C.Singer D.Politician Answer – C.Singer Explanation :

✓ Popular Bengali folk music singer Kalika Prasad Bhattacharya has died in a road accident at Palsit in West Bengal. He was 47.

✓ The accident took place at Gurap on Durgapur Expressway (NH2) in West Bengal’s Burdwan district.

✓ The folk singer voiced in films like Jaatishwar (2014), Moner Manush (2010) and Bhuban Majhi (2017).

✓ The Bengal man co-founded the band Dohar in 1999 aimed to revive the folk music tradition of Northern and Eastern Bengal.

27.To mark the 100 years of Yogoda Satsang Math, Prime Minster Narendra Modi released which of the following on March 7, 2017? A.Commemorative of Rs.100 B.Commemorative postage stamp C.Circulatory coin of Rs. 10 D.Commemorative coin of Rs 10 Answer – B.Commemorative postage stamp

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Explanation :

✓ Prime Minister Narendra Modi released a special commemorative postage stamp on 100 years of Yogoda Satsang Math on March 7, 2017.

✓ Aim : To reveal the complete harmony, basic oneness, and common foundations of all true religions. Dakshineswar based Yogoda Satsanga Society is a non-profit religious organization founded by Paramahansa Yogananda in 1917.

28.The Mobile World Congress will be hosted for the first time by India on September 27, 2017 in which Indian city? A.Bangaluru B.Chandigarh C.New Delhi D.Gandhinagar Answer – C.New Delhi Explanation :

✓ India to host its first mobile congress with a special focus on reaching out to the South East Asian markets at Pragati Maidan on 27th September 2017.

✓ This was announced by Rajan S Mathews, COAI Director General. The the three-day event will be organised by GSM Association.

✓ All Indian mobile operators, Facebook, Huawei, Ericsson, Cisco etc are likely to participate in the mobile congress.

29.The 4 lane ‘Extradosed’ Cable-Stayed Bridge has been inaugurated in which city of Gujarat by PM Modi on March 7, 2017? A.Jamnagar B.Surat C.Mandvi D.Bharuch Answer – D.Bharuch Explanation :

✓ Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on a two day visit to his native state Gujarat from March 7-8, 2017.

✓ During his visit to Gujarat, PM Modi dedicated a 4-lane 1.4-kilometre ‘Extradosed’ Cable-Stayed Bridge over the river Narmada in Bharuch.

✓ It is considered as the longest bridge of India. The bridge has been built by Larsen and Turbo at a cost of Rs. 379 crore in the time span of two years. PM Modi also dedicated ONGC Petro Additions Ltd (OPAL) Petrochemicals Complex at Dahej (Bharuch, Gujarat) to the

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nation. OPAL is a Joint Venture Company promoted by ONGC, GAIL and GSPC.

✓ The petrochemical plant has been set up an investment of Rs 30,000 crore

30.What was the theme adopted by United Nation for the 2017 International Women’s Day? A.Women in the Changing World of Work: Planet 50-50 by 2030 B.Planet 50-50 by 2030: Step It Up for Gender Equality C.A Promise is a Promise: Time for Action to End Violence Against Women D.Empowering Women, Empowering Humanity: Picture it! Answer – A.Women in the Changing World of Work: Planet 50-50 by 2030 Explanation :

✓ International Women’s Day is celebrated by the Governments, NGOs and other Organizations worldwide on March 8 every year since 1900 to highlight the achievements of women in all fields ranging from political to social while calling for greater equality.

✓ The theme adopted by the United Nation for 2017 is Women in the Changing World of Work: Planet 50-50 by 2030.

31.The 2017 21-nation Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Summit was held in which country? A.Jakarta, Indonesia B.Dubai, UAE C.New Delhi, India D.Canberra, Australia Answer – A.Jakarta, Indonesia Explanation :

✓ Vice President Hamid Ansari was on a two-day visit to Indonesia to attend the 21-nation Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia from March 6-7, 2017.

✓ Theme: ‘Strengthening Maritime Cooperation for a Peaceful, Stable and Prosperous Indian Ocean’ During the meet of the 21 IORA nation, Ansari laid emphasis on connectivity, open maritime trade and rights of navigation as well as cooperation among the think tanks of the member countries for strategies to meet the conventional and non-conventional threats.

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32.The Swachh Shakti 2017 – A Convention of Women Sarpanches was held in which state on the occasion of the International Women’s Day? A.Gujarat B.Maharashtra C.West Bengal D.Punjab Answer – A. Gujarat Explanation :

✓ On the occasion of International Women’s Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Swachh Shakti 2017 – A Convention of Women Sarpanches, at Gandhinagar in Gujarat.

✓ The National Convention of Women Sarpanch has been jointly organized by the Centre and the Gujarat government. As a part of the event, PM Modi gave away Swachh Shakti 2017 awards to women leaders in rural areas who have contributed immensely towards Swachh Bharat Mission.

✓ About 8,000 women sarpanches from across the country, including 6,000 from Gujarat attended the event on the occasion of International Women’s Day.

32.The Kamaladevi Chattopadhya National Awards launched by the Textile Ministry on March 8, 2017 will be presented to _____________ A.Women handloom weavers and artisans B.Small textile startups C.Best entrepreneur in textile sector D.Women based startups for handloom weaving Answer – A.Women handloom weavers and artisans Explanation :

✓ On the occasion of International Women’s Day the Union Textiles Minister Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani has announced ‘Kamaladevi Chattopadhya National Awards’, a new category of awards specially for women handloom weavers and women handicraft artisans.

✓ The awards will help women weavers and artisans to receive recognition and economic benefits associated with the Awards.

✓ It will also help to recognize the craft excellence and hard work by millions of women carrying forward the handloom and handicraft heritage.

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33.India has planned to phase out the consumption and manufacturing of the harmful ozone depleting substances Hydrochlorofluorocarbon by which year? A.2020 B.2029 C.2030 D.2032 Answer – C.2030 Explanation :

✓ In a bid to adhere to its global commitment on Global warming India launched the country’s latest plan to phaseout one of the key refrigerants Hydrochlorofluorocarbon.

✓ The HCFC is being used in various sectors including refrigeration, air-conditioning and foam manufacturing. Upon this development which aimed to end use of harmful ozone depleting substances (ODS) by switching over to nonozone depleting and low global warming potential technologies..

✓ The goal of the plan is phase out consumption and manufacturing of this ozone depleting refrigerant by 2030. The complete timeline is meant for the 2017-23 period.

34.Sentinel-2B satellite is the ________ satellite in the series of Sentinel satellite launched by the European Space Agency till date. A.Fourth B.Fifth C.Sixth D.Seventh Answer – B.Fifth Explanation :

✓ Sentinel-2B satellite developed by European Space Agency (ESA) was launched on March 7, 2017 as a part of European Union Copernicus environmental monitoring system. The satellite weighing 1.1 tonne was lifted into the orbit from Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana at 01:49 GMT on 7 March using a Vega rocket.

✓ Sentinels is a family of satellites developed by European Space Agency (ESA). Sentinel-2B is the fifth in the series of Sentinel satellite that has been launched till date. Sentinel-1A was launched on 3 April 2014 and Sentinel-1B on 25 April 2016. Sentinel-2A was launched on 23 June 2015. Sentinel-3A was launched on 16 February 2016.

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35.With which country, India signed a Protocol for amending the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement and Protocol on March 9, 2017? A.Austria B.Switzerland C.Belgium D.Japan Answer – C.Belgium Explanation :

✓ India and Belgium has signed an agreement to amending the existing Agreement and Protocol between the two countries for avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income on March 9, 2017 in New Delhi.

✓ The agreement was signed in the presence of Sushil Chandra, Chairman CBDT and Jan Luykx, Ambassador of Belgium to India.

✓ During the financial year 2016-17, India has signed protocol with Switzerland, Mauritius, Cyprus, Japan, Republic of Korea, Kazakhstan, Singapore and Austria during the financial year 2016-17.

36.Name the cyclone that hit the northeast of the Madagascar on March 7, 2017 killing at least three people and leaving nearly 500 people homeless. A.Typhoon Koppu B.Cyclone Enawo C.Typhoon Muifa D.Typhoon Maysak Answer – B.Cyclone Enawo Explanation :

✓ Intense Tropical Cyclone Enawo was the strongest tropical cyclone that hit in the northeast of the Madagascar.

✓ The cyclone killed at least three people, left nearly 500 people homeless and damaged schools and other buildings, posing grater economic challenges ahead.

✓ In response to this the country issued a red alert for several regions expected to be impacted by the storm.

37.Which University has developed India’s first genetically modified Bt Cotton varieties with reusable seeds to help the farmers in saving cultivation cost? A.Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana B.Central Institute for Cotton Research (CICR), Maharashtra C.National Institute of Hydrology (NIH), Roorkee D.Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI)

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Answer – A.Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana Explanation :

✓ Ludhiana based Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) has developed India’s first genetically modified varieties of cotton whose seeds could help the farmers in saving the cultivation cost.

✓ Three Bt cotton varieties have been identified by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) namely PAU Bt 1, F1861 and RS2013 for cultivation in Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan.

✓ All the three genetically modified Bt cotton carry the Cry1Ac gene which produces an insecticide imparting resistance against bollworm complex.

✓ The Bt Cotton varieties seeds could be reused by farmers with no commercial restrictions resulting in savings on repeat purchases every season.

38.Who has been roped in as the ambassador of Women’s Cricket World Cup 2017? A.Saurav Ganguly B.MS Dhoni C.Sachin Tendulkar D.Kapil Dev Answer – C.Sachin Tendulkar Explanation :

✓ Former Indian cricketer and captain Sachin Tendulkar has roped as an ambassador of Women’s Cricket World Cup 2017 which will begin from 24th June, 2017 in England and Wales said by International Cricket Council (ICC).

✓ 8 cricket teams from different countries will play 21-day tournament having 28 matches to win the coveted trophy.

39.Who has been sworn in as the President of European Council on March 9, 2017? A.Mária Bieliková B.Endre Spaller C.Donald Tusk D.Hervé Bernard Answer – C.Donald Tusk

Explanation :

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✓ Former Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk was re-elected as the president of the European Council for the second time.

✓ He won the 27 votes out of 28 EU’s governments. Tusk will act as the president of EU council until the end of 2019..

✓ He has been President of the European Council since 1 December 2014.. Prior to this, he was the Prime Minister of Poland and a co-founder and chairman of the Civic Platform party.

40.The Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Bill, 2016 seeks to increase the maternity leave to _______ weeks from the earlier 12 weeks. A.26 weeks B.24 weeks C.15 weeks D.20 weeks Answer – A.26 weeks Explanation :

✓ The Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Bill, 2016 was passed by the Lok Sabha by voice vote on March 10, 2017 that will benefit about 1.8 million women working in organized sector.

✓ The bill seeks to increase the maternity leaves to 26 weeks by amending the Maternity Benefits Act, 1961 that provides for 12 weeks of maternity leave.

✓ The Bill will be applicable to the establishments that hire at least 10 or more people. The entitlement will be for only up to first 2 children. For third child, the entitlement will be for only 12 weeks.

✓ The Labour and Employment Minister Bandaru Dattatreya moved the bill for consideration and passage in Lower House.

Everest IAS.com


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