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

Correct Answer – C. Japan

Explanation: The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the Memorandum of Understanding between India and Japan on Development of Advanced Model Single Window. The MoU would lead to cooperation between India and Japan on the development of ‘Advanced Model Single Window’ and its operationalization in Central and State Governments in India for taking administrative procedures necessary for business operations, and to develop a structure in which those procedures are completed in an expeditious manner, so as to accelerate India’s effort to promote Ease of Doing Business in India.

Correct Answer – C. Ahmedabad

Explanation: The construction of the world’s largest cricket stadium, which will have a seating capacity of over 1 lakh, at Motera in Ahmedabad is underway. As per a report in The Hindu, the stadium will be built across 63 acres of land and is being designed by renowned architect firm M/s. Populous. The cost of the project is estimated to be Rs 700 crore and the construction tender has been given to L&T. The infrastructure inside the stadium include three practice grounds and an indoor cricket academy.

Correct Answer – B. Kallakurichi

Explanation: Kallakurichi became Tamil Nadu’s 33rd district on Tuesday with the government carving it out of Villupuram, the state’s largest district with 1,099 village panchayats. The last time a district was created was in 2008, when Tirupur was carved out of Coimbatore and Erode districts.

Correct Answer – D. Nandan Nilekani

Explanation: The Reserve Bank of India recently constituted a high-level committee under Aadhaar architect Nandan Nilekani to suggest measures to strengthen the safety and security of digital payments in the country. The five-member panel on deepening of digital payments has been constituted with a view to encourage digitisation of payments and enhance financial inclusion through digitisation.

Correct Answer – B. Alok Verma

Explanation: Alok Verma, reinstated as chief of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) by the Supreme Court barely 48 hours ago, was removed this evening by a committee led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which said he “had not acted with the integrity expected of him”. Mr Verma lost his high-profile job just weeks before his retirement on January 31. The decision was two against one: PM Modi and Justice AK Sikri — representing Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi who had recused himself from the panel — favoured Mr Verma’s removal. Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge, representing the opposition, put up a dissenting note.

Correct Answer – D. Denmark

Explanation: The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Maritime issues between India and Denmark. The MoU is proposed to be signed during the upcoming visit of the WIP from Denmark to India in January, 2019. Denmark is one of the important trading partners with India. Major Danish exports to India include medicinal/ pharmaceutical goods, power generation machinery; industrial machinery, metal ores, organic chemicals, etc. Major Indian exports to Denmark include apparels, textiles/ fabrics/ yarns, road vehicles and components, metal goods, iron and steel, footwear and travel goods.In order to boost the bilateral trade between the two countries and to ensure cooperation and coordination in the maritime sector, it is proposed to enter into a bilateral MoU with Denmark.

Correct Answer – B. Bureau of Energy Efficiency

Explanation: The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) and the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU), kick starting cooperation in building energy efficiency. According to the MoU, BEE and CPWD will cooperate on promoting designs and construction of Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) compliant new buildings, star rating of CPWD managed buildings across the country with no registration or renewal fee, awareness on energy efficiency in building sector and support for capacity building of CPWD officials in ECBC.

Correct Answer – C. Sri Lanka

Explanation: Sri Lanka Central Bank said that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has agreed to provide $400 million under a swap arrangement to boost the island nation’s reserves. “The RBI’s very rapid and timely assistance will serve to boost investor confidence by supporting Sri Lanka to maintain adequate level of external reserves while accommodating outflow related to imports, debt servicing and if necessary support for the currency to avoid disorderly adjustment,” it said in a statement.

Correct Answer – D. Sankar De

Explanation: In order to strengthen its research function and enhance its linkage to policy making, SEBI has constituted a Research Advisory Committee headed by Dr. Sankar De and comprising of prominent financial economists and market practitioners as members.

Correct Answer  – C. N. Ram

Explanation: N. Ram, chairman, THG Publishing Private Limited, has been appointed president of the Alliance for Media Freedom (AFMF), a cross-media advocacy and action group of media organisations, promoters and journalists. While appointing him as president of the Alliance, his role in thwarting the efforts of governments and authoritarian elements to impede the independent functioning of the media was commended, a press release said.