Important G.K. & Current Affairs Questions – 2nd January 2019

Correct Answer – D. 25

Explanation: The nation has achieved yet another milestone in the power sector with completion of electrification in hundred percent household in 25 states at the year end. Now, only about 10.48 Lakh households are left to be electrified in 4 States viz., Assam, Rajasthan, Meghalaya and Chhattisgarh. These States are also taking all concerted efforts to achieve, at the earliest, saturation of household electrification in their respective States.

Correct Answer – A. Madhya Pradesh

Explanation: Madhya Pradesh Government has announced that it is going to create an Adhyatmik Vibhag (spiritual department) by merging several existing departments. The ‘Anand Vibhag’ (Department of Happiness) set up by the previous BJP government, a first in the country, would be incorporated into the new department.

Correct Answer – E. None of these

Explanation: The Centre has extended the Credit Link Subsidy Scheme (CLSS) on home loans for the Middle Income Group (MIG) under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) till March 2020, Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said. Addressing a press conference, Puri said he has signed the file pertaining to the extension of the CLSS under which the government provides a subsidy of up to Rs 2.67 lakh on home loans.

Correct Answer – B. Allahabad Bank

Explanation: State-owned Allahabad Bank has tied up with SBI Life Insurance to sell the policies of the insurer from over 3,200 branches. Allahabad Bank and SBI Life Insurance came together and signed a bancassurance pact, to offer a holistic financial planning solution to consumers, SBI Life said in a release. The tie-up, one of the largest Bancassurance partnerships in the country, will see 3,238 branches of Allahabad Bank across the country offer SBI Life’s range of protection, wealth creation and savings products to its customers, it said.

Correct Answer – A. Anindita Neogy Anaam

Explanation: US-based Kathak exponent Anindita Neogy Anaam will be honoured with the National Nritya Shiromani award for promoting the dance form across the world. The award would be conferred on her in Cuttack on the opening day of the 10th Cuttack Mahotsav: International Danceand Music festival in Cuttack on January 2, according to the organisers. Anindita is also slated showcase her solo Kathak recital at the opening ceremony of the annual festival, organised by organised by Utkal Yuva Sanskrutik Sangh (UYSS) in association with Cuttack district administration, the organisers said.

Correct Answer– C. Sheikh Hasina

Explanation: Bangladesh’s Sheikh Hasina has won a third consecutive term as prime minister, the country’s Election Commission said Monday, in a poll marred by deadly violence and allegations of rigged ballots. Hasina’s ruling Awami League (AL) party won a landslide of 288 votes out of a possible 300, according to the Bangladesh High Commission in Delhi, with just one seat left to be declared. The opposition alliance led by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) took seven seats.

Correct Answer – D. Bhubaneswar

Explanation: Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan launched the Ujjwala Sanitary Napkin initiative in Bhubaneswar, which will expand women’s access to hygiene products and provide them with employment opportunities in every district of the state. The Central scheme will be a counter to the Odisha government’s Khushi scheme, in which sanitary napkins are provided free of cost to female students of government and government-aided schools in the state.

Correct Answer – B. 66.85

Explanation: Public sector banks’ provision coverage ratio — which measures the provisioning for bad loans — has gone up from less than 50 per cent in 2015 to 66.85 per cent as of September 2018, reflecting improvement in their financial health, a senior official said. The provision coverage ratio (PCR) gives an indication of the provision made against bad loans from the profit generated. Higher the PCR, lower is the unexposed part of the bad debts. “The PCR of public sector banks has risen steeply from 46.04 per cent as of March 2015 to 66.85 per cent as of September 2018, giving banks cushion to absorb losses,” Financial Services Secretary Rajiv Kumar said.

Correct Answer – A. Deen Dayal Veterinary University

Explanation: Aiming to supplement farmers income in Uttar Pradesh, the Deen Dayal Veterinary University here proposes to set up the first goat fertility lab in the state under a novel project funded by the central government, its vice chancellor K M L Pathak said Sunday. The Union government, under Rastriya Krashi Vikas Yojna, has transferred Rs 22 crore to the university through the state Government for establishing UP’s first goat fertility lab and allied system, Pathak told reporters here. Besides the proposed fertility lab, the infrastructure for a separate goat farm is under construction, he said.

Correct Answer  – B. Australian

Explanation: Three Indian-origin women scientists made it in the list of 60 Superstars of STEM list announced recently by the Australian government. These bright minds  — Onisha Patel, Devika Kamath and Asha Rao — are born and brought up in India and have done pathbreaking work in the field of science. All three moved to Australia to pursue higher studies and wish to change the situation for younger girls back home. Due to gender gap in STEM courses, the government there is planning to train these scientists for one year to become influencers for female students.