Important G.K. & Current Affairs Questions – 12th February 2019

Correct Answer – C. Macedonia

Explanation: Greece’s Parliament approved Macedonia’s bid to become the 30th member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, under a U.S.-backed deal that aims to help stabilize the Balkans. The vote in Athens triggers a change in the name of Greece’s neighbor to North Macedonia and resolves a three-decade-long dispute with Greece.

Correct Answer – C. INS Trikand

Explanation: INS Trikand, a front-line warship of the Indian Navy, participated in a multinational training exercise ‘CUTLASS EXPRESS – 19’ held from 27 Jan to 06 Feb 19. The aim of the exercise was to improve law enforcement capacity, promote regional security and progress inter-operability between the armed forces of the participating nations for the purpose of interdicting illegal maritime activity in the Western Indian Ocean. During the exercise, Naval, Coast Guard and Marine Police personnel from a number of East African countries were jointly trained by mentors from USA, India, and Netherlands, with support of international organisations like the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), Combined Maritime Force (CMF) and European Naval Forces (EUNAVFOR).

Correct Answer – A. February 11

Explanation: According to the Epilepsy Foundation, around 65 million people around the world live with epilepsy, a chronic neurological disorder in which the brain activity becomes abnormal causing unprovoked and recurrent seizures. Epilepsy can affect anyone, but it is most likely to affect children under 2 years of age and adults over 65 years. International Epilepsy Day, which is marked on February 11, seeks to raise awareness and educate the general public on the true facts about epilepsy. The day also highlights the urgent need for improved treatment, better care, and greater investment in research.

Correct Answer – B. 3 years

Explanation: As per Rule 3 of Rules of ICHR, New Delhi, 1972, the Government has reconstituted the Council of Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR), New Delhi for a period of three years w.e.f. the date of the first meeting of the re-constituted Council i.e. 07.01.2019 to 06.01.2022.

Correct Answer – D. Saugat Biswas

Explanation: The Jammu and Kashmir government declared Ladakh as the third administrative division of the state. Saugat Biswas, the 2006-batch IAS officer, was posted as the first divisional commissioner of the Ladakh division. The order also approved the setting up of a committee under the chairmanship of Principal Secretary to government, planning, development and monitoring department to identify the posts of divisional level heads of various departments that may be required for the new division; particularly their staffing pattern, roles and responsibilities and proposed location of these offices.

Correct Answer – B. Mukesh Ambani

Explanation: Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani who is not only the richest Indian person but is also the richest Asian, recently topped the Hurun India Philanthropy List 2018 followed by the chairman of the Piramal Group, Ajay Piramal. It may be noted that Ambani’s daughter Isha recently got married to Ajay Piramal’s son, Anand Piramal. According to the list, Mukesh Ambani and family donated Rs 437 crore from October 2017 to September 2018. Ajay Piramal donated Rs 200 crore during the same period. This list is compiled by Hurun Research Institute and in the list, only those individuals are ranked who donated Rs 10 crore or more in last one year. Ambani also donated Rs 71 crore in cash and supplies for Kerela flood rehabilitation. The money was donated to the flood-stricken state to support the citizens during the natural calamity.

Correct Answer – C. Odisha

Explanation: The successful demonstration of the indigenously developed propulsion technology is expected to accelerate the development of long range air-to-air missiles. The technology is called the Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR). Defence scientists conducted a test of the propulsion-based missile system from the ITR, Chandipur, Odisha.

Correct Answer – B. February 10

Explanation: February 10, 2019 was the first-ever World Pulses Day, a global event to celebrate pulses worldwide and continue the important gains made with 2016 International Year of Pulses.

Correct Answer – B. 11th February

Explanation: The International Day of Women and Girls in Science, celebrated each year on 11 February, was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly to promote full and equal access to and participation in science for women and girls. This Day is a reminder that women and girls play a critical role in science and technology communities and that their participation should be strengthened. The celebration is led by UNESCO and UN-Women, in collaboration with institutions and civil society partners that promote women and girls’ access to and participation in science. Science and gender equality are both vital for sustainable development. Yet women and girls continued to be excluded from participating fully in science: less than 30% of researchers worldwide are women.

Correct Answer  – B. Bihar

Explanation: In Bihar, three-day Krishi Kumbh is being organised in Motihari. Over fifteen thousand farmers across different states and about two hundred agricultural scientists are participating in the Kumbh. This is the largest Krishi Kumbh of Eastern India.