GYANM GENERAL AWARENESS APRIL 2015 ISSUE

GENERAL AWARENESS – APRIL 2015 1

Cricket World Cup

The ICC Cricket World Cup is the international championship of One Day International (ODI) cricket. The event is organised by the sports governing body, the International Cricket Council (ICC), with preliminary qualification rounds leading up to a finals tournament held every four years. The tournament is one of the world's most viewed sporting events and is considered the "flagship event of the international cricket calendar" by the ICC. The first World Cup was organised in England in June 1975, with the first ODI cricket match having been played only four years prior. However, a separate Women's Cricket World Cup had been held two years before the first men's tournament, and a tournament involving multiple international teams had been held as early as 1912, when a triangular tournament of Test matches was played between Australia, England and South Africa. Each of the first three World Cups were held in England. From the 1987 tournament onwards, hosting has been shared between countries under an unofficial rotation system, with fourteen ICC members having hosted at least one match in the tournament. The finals of the World Cup are contested by the ten full members of the ICC (all of which are Test-playing teams) and a number of teams made up from associate and affiliate members of the ICC, selected via the World Cricket League and a later qualifying tournament. A total of 19 teams have competed in the ten editions of the tournament, with 14 competing in the 2011 tournament. Australia has won the tournament four times, with the West Indies, India (twice each), Pakistan and Sri Lanka (once each) also having won the tournament. The best performance by a non-full-member team came when Kenya made the semi-finals of the 2003 tournament.

ICC WORLD CUP FINALS AT GLANCE Year Host Nation Winner Runner-up 1975 England West Indies Australia 1979 England West Indies England 1983 England India West Indies 1987 Ind & Pak Australia England 1992 Aus & NZ Pakistan England 1996 Ind, Pak & SL Sri Lanka Australia 1999 England Australia Pakistan 2003 South Africa Australia India 2007 West Indies Australia Sri Lanka 2011 Ind,SL & Ban India Sri Lanka 2015 Aus & NZ Going on Going on

SOME FACTS & FIGURES 1) The West Indies have made the World Cup finals thrice on the

trot. They had won the first two editions in 1975 and 1979 but lost to India in 1983. But the Caribbeans never reached the finals of the tournament ever again. In 1996, they came very close but lost unbelievably to Australia.

2) England are the only team who have lost in three World Cups in three decades, i.e., 1975, 1987 and 1992. Graham Gooch is the only player to have featured in all the three finals and ended in the losing side.

3) India are the only Asian side to have won the quadrennial tournament twice (in 1983 and 2011). Pakistan (1992) and Sri Lanka (1996) have won it once each.

4) Melbourne will become the second ground to host more than one World Cup finals. Only Lord's have hosted more number of finals (4).

5) India's Sachin Tendulkar has scored the most number of runs in the World Cup (2,278 runs) and also the most number of centuries (six). Tendulkar ended as the highest run-getter in two editions of the World Cup (1996 and 2003).

6) Australia's Glenn McGrath has taken most wickets in the World Cup (71 in 39 matches). McGrath also has the best bowling figures of 7-15 which he had registered against Namibia in 2003.

7) South Africa's Gary Kirsten has the highest individual score

in a World Cup match, scoring an unbeaten 188 against debutants UAE in 1996.

8) Australia had remained unbeaten in the World Cup for 12 years, which is a record. After the 10-run loss to Pakistan in a group match in the 1999 edition, the Aussies lost again in the World Cup in 2011 when they lost to same Pakistan in a group match by 4 wickets.

9) In the 1996 World Cup, eventual champions Sri Lanka had received two walkovers in the group stage, against Australia and the West Indies. At one stage, the Lankans got 6 points by playing just 1 game!

10) Zimbabwe shocked the cricketing world when they beat a strong Australian side by 13 runs in their debut match in the World Cup in 1983.

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MORE POWER TO STATES The constitution of India gives primacy to the Union in the matter of overall revenue generation. The states have always complained that while the responsibility of providing all public amenities rests with them, the avenues to raise their income as the major resources are in the list reserved for the Centre. In the Indian federal structure, obligations for various services like law and order, health education are unequally shared between Centre and the States. The Centre retained the power to decide and allocate the funds to the different states which led to charges of favouritism or discrimination based on one’s opinion and share of resources. It is not that the makers of the constitution did not think of such a scenario and as such inserted the provision of an independent Finance Commission (vide Article 280) to decide the division of taxes between the Centre and the States for a period of five years. This commission is set up every five years to recommend how revenues from Central taxes should be shared between the Centre and the states. This allocation is necessary in a diverse country like India to make sure that the people get all the public facilities, whether they are living in rich or a poor state. The successive Commissions have been remit in increasing the share of states in the divisible pool of taxes, though in small doses, leaving a large discretion with the government at the centre. Still, with the centre holding the power to the purse, the Chief Ministers were treated as beggars in the corridors of the North Block. The Central Ministers would devise one fit all schemes for which the allocation was not decided by the Finance Commission but by the Minister/ Planning Commission through grants or Centrally Sponsored Schemes, leaving no elbow room for the states to devise schemes to suit their specific needs. All this is set to change. The FFC (Fourteenth Finance Commission) headed by Dr. Y.V. Reddy has made radical proposals which may redefine the Indian Federal Structure in a more desirable manner. The Commission has increased the amount of from the divisible pool of taxes from 32% to 42%, the biggest jump seen so far. (The previous F.C.s had increased the same by 1 or 1.5% only.) This marks a big departure as it will give the states a great leeway in deciding their own schemes. The recommendations are based on the premise that the states can be trusted to settle their own priorities and so should be given more fiscal space in this regard. It places a heavy responsibility on the states to design, formulate and implement and monitor their own plans without the big brother ( Centre) looking over their shoulder, leading to greater federalism by conferring more fiscal autonomy on the states.

RE–WRITING THE HISTORY The year 1977 was a watershed year in the history of Independent India’s political scenario when for the first time India had a non-congress government marking the emergence an alternative to the unchallenged established one party rule. The transition was unexpectedly smooth. The government led by a strong Prime Minister having imposed emergency and made changes to the constitution to suit its convenience, wanted to seek legitimacy to its rule by seeking a fresh mandate from public. If it expected that the fractured political parties will not be able to pose any challenge to its monopoly over power, it was soon deluded. The desperate opposition parties got together and came to power with a majority that, no one had expected. It is another matter that they could not retain the power for long and frittered away in a span of just two years the historical mandate they had received. However, it must not be lost that an alternative emerged, which was a coalition of different regional groups, and this arrangement ruled the nation for next around thirty five years in one form or the other except for the period 1984-1988. In the similar vein, the year 2015 will go down in the political history as challenge to the established political system and emergence of an alternative that none could have imagined or foreseen. A political party led by a social activist which emerged just two years ago on the horizon, decimated all the established political behemoths and compelled them to bite the dust in the electoral battle of Delhi. While the party which had won all the parliamentary seats in the just concluded elections fared very badly, the party which was in power for the last fifteen years was packed off with a big Zero. The political pundits were left speechless and the established parties were exposed to be rootless. The emergence of this small party in a small area represents a big leap in Indian political scenario where elections are considered to be the ‘pocket borough’ of moneybags and democracy has often been called a system of the rich, for the rich in the name of the poor. It has made some political leaders to go on sabbatical and others to vacation. And those who are serious will have to reflect what has gone wrong or we may say 'right'. People voted with their foot down and have a given a clarion call to the established system that they cannot be taken to be granted. Perform or Perish is the message loud and clear, given by the masses. The message is too loud for those who lead and govern to ignore it at their own peril.


GENERAL AWARENESS

APRIL 2015 Vol. 3, Issue 10

A PUBLICATION OF GYANM EDUCATION & TRAINING INSTITUTE PVT. LTD.

SCO 13-14-15, 2ND FLOOR, SEC 34-A, CHANDIGARH

Contents

BUDGET 2015-16 03-08 CURRENT AFFAIRS

DEC 2014 TO FEB 2015 09-40

BULLET NEWS SEP TO NOV 2014 41-54

IBPS PO TEST PAPER 55-70

SSC MODEL TEST PAPER 71-81

6 MONTHS GK BULLETS 82-99

FIGURES TO REMEMBER

REPO RATE (15.1.2015) 7.75% REVERSE REPO RATE 6.75% MARGINAL STANDING FACILITY RATE

8.75%

STATUTORY LIQUIDITY RATIO 21.5% CASH RESERVE RATIO 4.00% BANK RATE 8.75% BASE RATE(s) (of various banks)

10 to 10.25 %

INDIA’S RANK IN

Press Freedom Index 2015 136th

Talent Competitiveness 78th

Travel and Tourism Index 65th

Corruption Perceptions Index 85th

The Web Index 2014 48th

Global Terrorism Index 2014 6th

Global Slavery Index 2014 1st

Gender Gap Index 114th

Ease of Doing Business (World Bank)

142nd

Global Hunger Index 2013 55th Global Competitiveness 71st Human Development Index 135th Global Innovation Index 76th Economic Confidence Index 01st Choice for FDI 143rd Social Progress Index 102nd World Press Freedom Index 140th Environment Performance Index 155th

BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS

ECONOMIC SURVEY

RAILWAY BUDGET


UNION BUDGET 2015 – 16 HIGHLIGHTS

Union Budget is an annual exercise that is undertaken as per the provisions of article 112 of the Indian constitution. Passing of budget authorizes the government to withdraw the funds from the Consolidated Fund of India. Following are the highlights of the budget for 2015-16: GDP growth in 2015-16 projected to be between 8 to

8.5% Amrut Mahotsav - The year 2022, 75th year of

Independence Vision for “Team India” led by PM Housing for all - 2 crore houses in Urban areas and 4

crore houses in Rural areas. Basic facility of 24x7 power, clean drinking water,

toilets and road connectivity to all villages Electrification of the remaining 20,000 villages

including off-grid Solar Power- by 2020. Providing medical services in each village and city. Ensure a Senior Secondary School within 5 km reach

of every child, Direct Transfer of Benefits to be extended further

with a view to increase the number of beneficiaries from 1 crore to 10.30 crore.

AGRICULTURE Major steps take to address the two major factors

critical to agricultural production, that of soil and water.

‘Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana’ to be fully supported.

‘Pradhanmantri Gram Sinchai Yojana’ to provide ‘Per Drop More Crop’.

Rs 5,300 crore to support micro-irrigation, watershed development and the ‘Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana’.

Target of Rs. 8.5 lakh crore of agricultural credit (through banks) during the year 2015-16.

FUNDING THE UNFUNDED Micro Units Development Refinance Agency

(MUDRA) Bank, with a corpus of Rs. 20,000 crores, and credit guarantee corpus of Rs 3,000 crores to be created.

MUDRA Bank will be responsible for refinancing all Micro-finance Institutions which are in the business of lending to such small entities of business through a Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana.

A Trade Receivables discounting System (TReDS) which will be an electronic platform for facilitating

financing of trade receivables of MSMEs to be established.

Comprehensive Bankruptcy Code of global standards to be brought in fiscal 2015-16 towards ease of doing business.

Postal network with 1,54,000 points of presence spread across villages to be used for increasing access of the people to the formal financial system.

NBFCs registered with RBI and having asset size of Rs 500 crore and above may be considered for notifications as ‘Financial Institution’ in terms of the SARFAESI Act, 2002.

FROM JAN DHAN TO JAN SURAKSHA Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojna to cover

accidental death risk of Rs 2 Lakh for a premium of just 12 per year.

Atal Pension Yojana to provide a defined pension, depending on the contribution and the period of contribution. Government to contribute 50% of the beneficiaries’ premium limited to Rs 1,000 each year, for five years, in the new accounts opened before 31st December 2015.

Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana to cover both natural and accidental death risk of Rs 2 lakh at premium of Rs 330 per year for the age group of 18-50.

A new scheme for providing Physical Aids and Assisted Living Devices for senior citizens, living below the poeverty line.

Unclaimed deposits of about Rs 3,000 crores in the PPF, and approximately Rs 6,000 crores in the EPF corpus to be used for creating a fund which will be used to subsidize the premiums on these social security schemes through creation of a Senior Citizen Welfare Fund.

INFRASTRUCTURE National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF),

to be established with an annual flow of Rs 20,000 crores.

Tax free infrastructure bonds to be issued for the projects in the rail, road and irrigation sectors.

Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) to be established in NITI to provide Innovation Promotion Platform involving academicians, and drawing upon national and international experiences to foster a culture of innovation , research and development.

Self-Employment and Talent Utilization - SETU to be established as Techno-financial, incubation and facilitation programme to support all aspects of start-up business. Rs1000 crore to be set aside for this.

5 new Ultra Mega Power Projects, each of 4000 MW, to be started in the Plug-and-Play mode.


FINANCIAL MARKET Public Debt Management Agency (PDMA) bringing

both external and domestic borrowings under one roof to be set up this year.

Forward Markets commission to be merged with SEBI. Sovereign Gold Bond, as an alternative to purchasing

metal gold scheme to be developed. Indian gold coins to be made for investment in gold. A student Financial Aid Authority to be formed to

administer all scholarships as well Educational Loan Schemes, through the Pradhan Mantri Vidya Lakshmi Karyakram.

A post graduate institute of Horticulture Research & Education is to be set up in Amritsar

An autonomous Bank Board Bureau to be set up to improve the governance of public sector bank.

BUDGET ESTIMATES Total Expenditure estimated at Rs 17,77,477 crore. Fiscal deficit will be 3.9 per cent of GDP and Revenue

Deficit will be 2.8 per cent of GDP.

BLACK MONEY Acceptance or re-payment of an advance of Rs 20,000

or more in cash for purchase of immovable property to be prohibited.

PAN being made mandatory for any purchase or sale exceeding Rupees 1 lakh.

General Anti Avoidance Rule (GAAR) to be deferred by two years, to be applicable from 01.04.2017.

Wealth-tax replaced with additional surcharge of 2 per cent on super rich with a taxable income of over Rs 1 crore annually

Service-tax plus education cess increased from 12.36% to 14% to facilitate transition to GST.

SWACHH BHARAT 100% deduction for contributions, other than by way

of CSR contribution, to Swachh Bharat Kosh and Clean Ganga Fund.

Clean energy cess increased from Rs 100 to Rs 200 per metric tonne of coal, to finance clean environment initiatives.

BENEFITS TO MIDDLE CLASS TAX-PAYERS Limit of deduction of health insurance premium

increased from Rs 15000 to Rs 25000, for senior citizens limit increased from Rs 20000 to Rs 30000.

Senior citizens above the age of 80 years, who are not covered by health insurance, to be allowed deduction of Rs 30000 towards medical expenditures.

Deduction limit of Rs 60000 with respect to specified decease of serious nature enhanced to ` 80000 in case of senior citizen.

Additional deduction of Rs 25000 allowed for differently abled persons.

Limit on deduction on account of contribution to a pension fund and the new pension scheme increased from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 1.5 lakh.

Additional deduction of Rs 50000 for contribution to the new pension scheme u/s 80CCD.

Payments to the beneficiaries including interest payment on deposit in Sukanya Samriddhi scheme to be fully exempt from income tax.

MAJOR BUDGETARY ALLOCATIONS

Defence 2,46,727 Subsidies of which Food Subsidy – 1,24,419 cr Petroleum Subsidy – 30,000 cr Fertilizer Subsidy – 72,968 cr

2,27,387

Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme

34699

National Livelihood Mission (Rural & Urban)

3343

Housing for all (Rural and Urban)- 14200 Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana 14291 National Social Assistance Programme 9074 Swachh Bharat 6000 Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana 5300 Krishonnati Yojana, incl. Rs. 4500cr for Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana

12257

Micro, Small And Medium Enterprises 1350 Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan 22000 Higher Education 11965 Women And Child Development 9694 Information Technology 2510 Telecommunications 4800 National Health Mission 18000 Urban Development 14585 Road Transport & Highways 40003 Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gram JyotiYojana

4500

Science and technology 3550 Namami Gange for cleaning of the Holy Ganga

2100

For recapitalisation of Public Sector Banks (Rs 7940cr)and other DFIs

9790

GOVT HOUSE KEEPING (In %)

Rupee Comes From Rupee Goes To Borrowings 24 Central Plan Outlay 11 Corporate Tax 20 Plan Asst. to State / UTs 08

Income Tax 14 Non Plan Asst. State/UTs 05

Custom Duty 09 Other-Plan Expenditure 12 Excise Duty 10 States Share of Taxes 23 Service Tax 09 Interest Payments 20 Non-Tax Revenue 11 Defence 11

Non Debt Capital Receipts 03 Subsidies 10

Total 100 Total 100


KEY BUDGET FIGURES – 2015-16

BUDGET HEAD Rs in Cr 1 Revenue Receipts (2+3) 1141575

2 Tax Revenue (net to centre) 919842

3 Non-Tax Revenue 221733 4 Capital Receipts (5+6+7) 635902

5 Recoveries of Loans 10753

6 Other Receipts 69500

7 Borrowings and other

liabilities 555649

8 Total Receipts (1+4) 1777477 9 Non-Plan Expenditure (10+12) 1312200

10 On Revenue Account - of

which, 1206027

11 Interest Payments 456145

12 On Capital Account 106173 13 Plan Expenditure (14+15) 465277

14 On Revenue Account 330020

15 On Capital Account 135257 16 Total Expenditure

(9+13)(Budget Size) 1777477

17 Revenue Expenditure

(10+14) 1536047

18 Of Which, Grants for

creation of Capital Assets 110551

19 Capital Expenditure

(12+15) 241430

20 Revenue Deficit (17-1) 2.8% of GDP

394472

21 Effective Revenue Deficit (20-18) 2% of GDP

283921

22 Fiscal Deficit {16-(1+5+6)} 3.9% of GDP*

555649

23 Primary Deficit (22-11) 0.7% of GDP*

99504

*GDP for 2015-16 has been projected at Rs. 141. 09 trillion cr. GDP growth rate for 2015-16 is projected at 8 to 8.5%

RAILWAY BUDGET 2015-16 HIGHLIGHTS No new trains announced No increase in passenger fare FINANCE No increase in passenger fares Plan outlay of Rs 1,00,011 crore, up by 52 % Rs 8.5 lakh crore to be invested in next 5 years Rs.96,000 crore for 77 new projects Rs 6,581 crore for rail safety Will set up infra funds for railways Plan to invite corporate sponsorship for stations

UPGRADES/NEW SERVICES New ‘Bullet-like’ trains to run on existing tracks Increase in track capacity by 10% to 1.38 lakh km Delhi-Kolkata and Delhi Mumbai to be overnight

journey 6,000 km to be electrified in 2015-16 Speed on 9 corridors to be increased to between 160-

200 km High speed bullet train between Mumbai and

Ahmadabad Direct line from Delhi to Arunachal Pradesh

PASSENGER CONVENIENCE All India helpline No. 138 from March 1 No 182 helpline for women security Cameras in the women compartments in select trains Rs 1,000 Nirbhaya Fund, which was lying idle so far,

to be used to provide women's safety Multi-lingual online ticketing Ticket booking timing increased to 120 days Operation 5 minutes to ensure that a passenger

travelling unreserved can purchase a ticket within 5 minutes

Lower berth preference for senior citizens, pregnant women and differently abled

Cleanliness in Railways highest priority under Swachh Rail Swachh Bharat

Food can be ordered online while booking ticket E-catering introduced on over 100 trains 400 stations to get Wi-Fi facility SMS alert service for train arrival / departure timings Mobile App to address passenger complaints Lockers at all stations Innovation Council and Technology Portal will be set

up to invite suggestions on improvements

GREEN INITIATIVES 17, 000 toilets to be replaced by bio toilets Will move towards paperless ticketing To introduce vacuum toilets in trains Disposable linen and garbage bags at all stations

ECONOMIC SURVEY 2014-15

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley presented the Economic Survey in Parliament. The survey was prepared by the Finance Ministry's Chief Economic Adviser Arvind Subramanian. Given below are the Highlights:

GROWTH FY 2014-15 GDP growth seen at 7.4% 2015-16 GDP growth seen at over 8 to 8.5 per cent Manufacturing and services sector equally important

for growth of economy Food grain production for 2014-15 estimated at

257.07 million tonnes Need for creation of National Common Market in

agricultural commodities


FISCAL DEFICIT Fiscal, revenue and primary deficits show a declining

trend India must meet its medium-term fiscal deficit target

of 3 percent of GDP Government will adhere to fiscal deficit target of 4.1

percent of GDP in 2014-15 INFLATION Inflation down by 6% since 2013 and likely to be

below RBI’s target by 0.5 - 1 percentage point Consumer inflation in 2015-16 likely to range

between 5 to 5.5 percent CURRENT ACCOUNT DEFICIT Estimated at about 1.3 percent of GDP in 2014-15

and less than 1.0 percent of GDP in 2015-16 SUBSIDIES Rationalisation of subsidies, better targeting of

beneficiaries will release funds for public investment in agriculture

Govt to discontinue support to 8 centrally sponsored schemes

Govt aims at converting all subsidies into direct benefit transfers

Post Office can be linked with AADHAR based benefits transfer architecture to allow linkage to AADHAR accounts

BUDGET GLOSSARY APPROPRIATION BILL It is presented to Parliament for its approval, so that the government can withdraw from the Consolidated Fund the amounts required for meeting the expenditure charged on the Consolidated Fund. No amount can be withdrawn from the Consolidated Fund till the Appropriation Bill is voted is enacted. CAPITAL BUDGET It consists of capital receipts and payments. It also incorporates transactions in the Public Account. It has two components: Capital Receipt and Capital Expenditure. CAPITAL EXPENDITURE It consists of payments for acquisition of assets like land, buildings, machinery, equipment, as also investments in shares etc, and loans and advances granted by the Central government to state and union territory governments, government companies, corporations and other parties.

CAPITAL RECEIPTS The main items of capital receipts are loans raised by the government from public which are called market loans, borrowings by the government from the Reserve Bank of India and other parties through sale of Treasury Bills, loans received from foreign governments and bodies and recoveries of loans granted by the Central government to state and union territory governments and other parties. It also includes proceeds from disinvestment of government equity in public enterprises. CENTRAL PLAN It consists of the government’s budget support to the Plan and the internal and extra budgetary resources raised by public enterprises. CONSOLIDATED FUND It is made up of all revenues received by the government, loans raised by it, and also its receipts from recoveries of loans granted by it. All expenditure of the government is incurred from the Consolidated Fund and no amount can be withdrawn from the Fund without authorisation from Parliament. CONTINGENCY FUND It is an amount Rs 500 crore placed at the disposal of the President and is used by the government to incur all its urgent and unforeseen expenditure. Parliamentary approval for such expenditure and for withdrawal of an equivalent amount from the Consolidated Fund is subsequently obtained and the amount spent from the Contingency Fund is recouped to the Fund. EXPENDITURE BUDGET It contains expenditure estimates made for a scheme or programme under both revenue and capital heads. These estimates are brought together and shown on a net basis at one place by major heads. FINANCE BILL This contains the government’s proposals for levy of new taxes, modification of the existing tax structure or continuance of the existing tax structure beyond the period approved by Parliament. It is submitted to Parliament along with the Budget for its approval. FISCAL CONSOLIDATION A policy aimed at reducing government deficits and debt accumulation. FISCAL DEFICIT It is the difference between the revenue receipts plus certain non-debt capital receipts and the total expenditure including loans (net of repayments). This indicates the total borrowing requirements of the government from all sources.


FISCAL POLICY The policy that decides the terms of government expenditure and revenue collection (taxation) to ensure best possible growth of the economy. It is the policy for deciding the shape of govt budget. FRBM ACT, 2003 The Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act was enacted by Parliament in 2003 to bring in fiscal discipline in the govt expenditure. The FRBM Rules impose limits on fiscal and revenue deficit. In the long run, the fiscal deficit is required to be reduced to 3% of the GDP. GOVERNMENT BORROWING The money government borrows to fund public spending. It is the total amount of money that the country's Government has borrowed to fund its spending on public services and benefits. NON-PLAN EXPENDITURE It includes both revenue and capital expenditure on interest payments, the entire defence expenditure (both revenue and capital expenditure), subsidies, postal deficit, police, pensions, and economic services, loans to public enterprises and loans as well as grants to state governments, union territory governments and foreign governments. NON-TAX REVENUES Interest from loans to states, public bodies and PSUs is a key item under this head. So are dividends from PSUs. The government also earns income from the services it provides. Though the Railways is a separate ministry, all its money is routed through the consolidated fund. PLAN EXPENDITURE This is largely made up of the budget support to the central plan. It also comprises the amount the Centre sets aside for plans of states & Union territories. Like all budget heads, this is also split into revenue and capital components. PRIMARY DEFICIT If we deduct amount of interest payments from the amount of fiscal deficit, we get the amount of Primary Deficit. PUBLIC DEBT The government's borrowings are the burden of the people. The difference between borrowings and repayments is the net accretion to the public debt. Public debt can be split into two heads, internal debt and external debt. The internal debt comprises Treasury Bills, market stabilisation scheme, ways and means advances, and securities against small savings.

PUBLIC ACCOUNT It is an account in which money received through transactions not relating to the Consolidated Fund is kept. For example, transactions relating to provident funds, small savings collections, other deposits etc. Public Account funds do not belong to the government and have to be paid back some time or the other to the persons and authorities who deposited them. Parliamentary authorisation for payments from the Public Account is not required. REVENUE BUDGET It consists of the revenue receipts of the government (which is tax revenues plus other revenues) and the expenditure met from these revenues. It has two components: Revenue Receipt and Revenue Expenditure. REVENUE EXPENDITURE It is meant for the normal running of government departments and various services, interest charges on debt incurred by the government and subsidies. Broadly speaking, expenditure which does not result in creation of assets is treated as revenue expenditure. All grants given to state governments and other parties are also treated as revenue expenditure even though some of the grants may be for creation of assets. REVENUE RECEIPTS It includes proceeds of taxes and other duties levied by the Centre, interest and dividend on investments made by the government, fees and other receipts for services rendered by the government. Excess of revenue expenditure over revenue receipts is called revenue deficit. VALUE ADDED TAX (VAT) It is a form of consumption tax. From the perspective of the buyer, it is a tax on the purchase price. From that of the seller, it is a tax only on the "value added" to a product, material or service, from an accounting point of view, by this stage of its manufacture or distribution. The manufacturer remits to the government the difference between these two amounts, and retains the rest for themselves to offset the taxes they had previously paid on the inputs.


NATIONAL NEWS

FEBRUARY 2015

GOVT ACCEPTS FINANCE COMMISSION REPORT Union Government has accepted the recommendations of the 14th Finance Commission for devolution of revenue collection from the Center to the states for the period from 1 April 2015 to 31 March 2020. The commission was headed by Ex. RBI Governor Y V Reddy. DIPLOMATS’ CONFERENCE IN NEW DELHI A three day Heads of the Missions Conference was held in New Delhi from Feb 7 to 9 in New Delhi. About 110 ambassodors/diplomats from various Indian embassies took part in the conference that spelt the ways in which the diplomats can contribute to the country's development. AERO INDIA SHOW HELD AT BENGALURU

The 10th edition of Aero India Show concluded in Bengaluru. The show was focused on Make in India campaign of the Union Government which is aimed at encouraging small and medium industries to invest in defence manufacturing in India. INDIA SET TO JOIN BRICS BANK The Union Cabinet approved India’s plans for the establishment of a New Development Bank led by the BRICS bloc of developing nations, and a Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA) that will act as an extra safety net in the event of financial crisis. AIRTEL TO SERVE CHILDREN IN AFRICA Indian telecom major Bharti Airtel Limited on 18 February 2015 tied-up with United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to provide health, education and youth-focused content to its customers in 17 African countries.

S C RULES ON CRIMINAL CANDIDATES In a historic judgment, the Supreme Court has ruled that the suppression of criminal antecedents, especially relating to heinous crimes, by an election candidate during nomination deprives voters to make an informed choice and creates impediments in the free exercise of electoral right and therefore, if such a candidate wins the election, his election should be declared null and void (invalid). FENCED ELEPHANT SANCTUARY BY PETA

The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has announced to create India's first fenced elephant sanctuary within the Bannerghatta Biological Park in Karnataka. The forested space will allow elephants to move around freely within the secure area. Ms. SWARAJ VISITS CHINA External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj went to China on a four day official visit. She met the Chinese President Xi Jinping also. The visit focused on resolving the tensions on border issue. She also launched the Visit India Year in China at a function in Beijing. INDIA FARES POOR IN PRESS FREEDOM India has been ranked 136TH in terms of press freedom in 2015, out of 180 nations in the World Press Freedom Index produced by Reporters without Borders. Countries are ranked on the basis of media pluralism and independence, respect for the safety and freedom of journalists and the legislative, institutional and infrastructural environment in which the media operates. Finland, Norway and Denmark were on the top of the list. Rajya Sabha was informed that 76.83 crore Aadhaar

cards have been generated till 15 February 2015 out of a total population of 121.01 crore

Dr. Tony Tan Keng Yam, President of Singapore visited India on Feb. 10 and inaugurated the Singapore Festival in New Delhi.

18th National Conference on e-Governance held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat from 30 to 31 January 2015.


Three Commemorative Postage stamps on the theme of Swachh Bharat Mission were released on 30 January 2015 to mark the Martyrdom Day of Mahatma Gandhi.

The first National Tribal Festival “VANAJ”-2015 held at New Delhi from 13 to 18 Feb., 2015.

India and Sri Lanka have agreed to explore avenues for enhancing cooperation in oil and gas sector.

JANUARY 2015

OBAMA CHARMS INDIA Barrack Obama became the first U.S. President to be the Chief Guest at the Republic Day and the first U.S. President to visit India twice during his tenure. The two leaders agreed to operationalise the civil

nuclear deal, resolving the key hurdles pertaining to the liability of suppliers of nuclear reactors in the event of an accident and the tracking of fuel supplied by the US.

Obama announced new initiatives worth $ 4 billion aimed at boosting trade and investment ties as well as jobs in India through a new Indian Diaspora Investment Initiative.

For the first time in the history of India’s Republic Day, all-women contingent from the three defence forces-Army, Air Force and Navy, marched down in the parade.

India and the US signed MoUs for formulating action plans for development of smart cities in Allahabad, Ajmer and Visakhapatnam.

15 NRIS HONOURED AT PBD 15 persons were conferred with Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award including Microsoft CEO Satyanarayan Nadella and Guyana President Donald Rabindernauth Ramaotar at the three day Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas, Jan 7 to 9, held at Gandhinagar, Gujarat. COINS AND STAMPS RELEASED IN PBD Coins and stamps showing in the same frame pictures of a young Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi and another of his transformation into Mahatma Gandhi were here released on Jan 8 at Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas to commemorate the centenary year of his return to India from South Africa in 1915. The coins are in the denomination of Rs 100 and Rs 10, while stamps are of the value of Rs. 25 & Rs. 5. TIGERS’ POPULATION UP BY 38.4% Across India, the mean figure for tiger numbers increased from 1,706 in 2010 to 2,226 in 2014, registering an impressive growth of 30.48 per cent. With 406 tigers, Karnataka tops the list, followed by Uttarakhand – 340 and Madhya Pradesh – 308.

INDIA TO HELP NEPAL FOR FIGHTING GOITRE India will provide Rs 6.90 crore support to Nepal for fighting against the Iodine Deficiency Disorder Control Programme for goitre control across the country. Goitre is an enlarged thyroid gland found in neck. ASIA’s BIGGEST LITERARY EVENT AT JAIPUR ZEE Jaipur Literature Festival, Asia’s biggest literary event was held at Jaipur from 21st to 25th Jan 2015. Over 2.45 lakh persons took part in the festival. More than 300 authors from over 50 countries attended the festival.

DSC Prize for Literature: The $50,000 prize won by Indian-American author Jhumpa Lahiri for her book, The Lowland. Poet Arunadhathi Subramaniam was declared as the winner of inaugural Khushwant Singh Memorial Prize for poetry for her work “When God is a Traveler”. H S BRAHMA IS THE NEW CEC Former bureaucrat Hari Shankar Brahma has been appointed as the next Chief Election Commissioner of India. The present incumbent, V S Sampath turned 65 on Jan 15, the upper age limit under the Constitution for holding the post. Mr. Brahma too is completing 65 years on April 19. CEC has a tenure of six years, or up to the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier. He is appointed by the President, on recommendations of the Union Government. He enjoys the same official status, salary and perks as available to Judges of the Supreme Court and High court. NATIONAL YOUTH FESTIVAL AT GUWAHATI The 19th National Youth Festival began in Guwahati on Jan 8. The theme this year is, 'Youth for Clean, Green and Progressive India'. A mascot performing Sattriya dance and named as Baandhav has been designed for the festival. INDIA 78TH IN TERMS OF SKILLED LABOUR In a list of 93 countries compiled by INSEAD business school, India has been ranked 78th globally in terms of talent competitiveness of its human capital, indicating acute shortage of skilled workforce. Switzerland has topped the list, followed by Singapore. SUPREME COURT ENDS SRINI’s GAME The Supreme Court has barred N Srinivasan, the controversial businessman and cricket official, from contesting the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) election until he gives up his commercial interest in the IPL franchise Chennai Super Kings (CSK).


India will provide 60 million dollars Line of Credit to Guyana for its road infrastructure projects. Guyana is a small republic on northern border of Brazil.

Tshering Tobgay, Prime Minister of Bhutan came to India on a weeklong visit.

The 13th Pune International Film Festival has held at Pune in Maharashtra from January 8 to 15. The theme of the festival was “War against War".

102nd Indian Science Congress was held at Mumbai University, Maharashtra.

Two commemorative coins of Rs 100 and five were released in the honour of Tata Group founder Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata's to mark his 175th birth anniversary.

January 12 is observed as National Youth Day on the birth anniversary of social reformer, philosopher and thinker Swami Vivekananda.

India signed an agreement on transfer of prisoners who are completing their sentence, with Hong Kong

Germany has agreed to partner with India in developing three smart cities. A six-member joint committee has been set up to identify the cities in next three months.

The first Border Haat (market) along Tripura-Bangladesh frontier was opened at Srinagar (Tripura) - Purba Madhugram (Feni, Bangladesh).

Indian Railways to run an additional weekly trip of Maitree Express train between Kolkata and Dhaka.

DECEMBER 2014 BHARAT RATNA FOR VAJPAYEE AND MALVIYA

Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Late Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya will be honoured with Bharat Ratna-country's highest civilian award. The announcement was made in a press communique issued by the Rashtrapati Bhawan on Dec 24 on the

recommendation of the Prime Minister. Atal Bihari Vajpayee is an Indian statesman who was the first Prime Minister from outside Congress to serve a full five-year term from 1998 to 2004. A parliamentarian for over four decades, Mr. Vajpayee was elected to the Lok Sabha nine times, and twice to the Rajya Sabha. He completed 90 years on 25th December. He is the seventh Prime Minister to receive the award. Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya was an Indian educationist and politician well known for his role in Indian freedom struggle. He was the President of the Indian National Congress in 1909 and 1918. He is most

remembered as the founder of Banaras Hindu University, the largest residential university in Asia. 25 Dec marks his 153rd birthday. He is the 12th person to be named posthumously for Bharat Ratna. PUTIN OPENS ECONOMIC DOORS FOR INDIA Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi to attend the India-Russia annual summit on Dec 11. He addressed the World Diamond Congress held at

Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi. Russian diamond mining giant ALROSA agreed to

supply diamonds worth $2.1 billion in the next three years to 12 Indian companies.

Russia's atomic firm Rosatom agreed to supply 12 nuclear energy reactors to India over next 20 years,

Russian oil major Rosneft signed a 10-year crude supply deal with India’s Essar Oil.

The two countries agreed to enhance the bilateral trade from current $10 billion to $30 billion by 2025.

The two leaders unveiled the ‘Druzhba (friendship in Russian)-Dosti' vision to strengthen the bilateral partnership over the next decade

GANDHINAGAR TO HOST 13TH PBD 13th Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas will be held from 7th to 9th January at Gandhinagar in Gujarat. It will celebrate 100 years of Mahatama Gandhi's return from South Africa to India on 9th January, 1914. This year’s theme is ‘Apna Bharat, Apna Gaurav’. INDIA 65TH IN WORLD IN TOURISM

World Economic Forum (WEF) released the 2013 Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Index. The index assesses 140 nations for their efforts made to develop the travel and tourism sector. India has been placed at 65th position in the index topped by Switzerland. INDIA TOPS IN OUTFLOW OF BLACK MONEY As per the Global Financial Integrity, India figures among the top three countries that witnessed highest outflow of black money in 2012 with about $94.76 billion or 6 lakh crore rupees going out of the Country.


INDIA PLACED 85TH IN CORRUPTION INDEX As per the Corruption Perceptions Index – 2014 released by the Transparency International, India stands at 85th position among 175 countries, (scoring 38 marks) as against 94th last year. India shares its position with Sri Lanka. Denmark retained its position as the least corrupt country with a score of 92 while North Korea and Somalia shared the last place, scoring just eight. JUNE 21 IS INTERNATIONAL YOGA DAY On Dec 17, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) adopted a resolution to declare June 21 as International Yoga Day, recognising the ancient Indian science's "holistic approach to health and well-being." Indian Prime Minister Mr. Modi had made the proposal during his address to the UNGA on 27th of September this year.

Why June 21? It marks the beginning of summer solstice in Northern Hemisphere and is the longest day of the year receiving highest amount of solar energy. 28000 CRORE SUPPORT FOR NORTH EAST Focusing on improving connectivity to the north-east, Central govt plans to provide Rs 28,000 crore for laying new railway lines in the region and develop the "untapped" tourism potential of the area. Besides, Rs 5000 crore each will be provided for extending 2G mobile coverage and for improvement of power system in north-eastern region. INDIA FARES 48TH ON INTERNET UTILISATION The Web Index 2014 released by World Wide Web Foundation to measure the internet's contribution to social, economic and political progress in the world has placed Denmark on top followed by Finland and Norway. India stands at 48th rank. The birthday of the former Prime Minister Atal

Behari Vajpayee on the 25th of December will be observed as National Good Governance Day.

Mahaparinirwan Diwas observed on 6 December 2014, death anniversary of Dr BR Ambedkar.

The Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings 2015 of UK has placed Bangalore-based IISc at No. 25 in the overall 100, topped by China's Peking University.

India’s most prestigious Indian classical music function – The Tansen Sangeet Samaroh held at Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh.

The first Arabic translation of the Indian Constitution launched by the Arab League in Cairo, Egypt.

Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid arrived in Kolkata on a two-day visit to West Bengal.

NEWS FROM STATES

FEBRUARY 2015

MUFFLERMAN SWEEPS DELHI

The Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party on Feb 10 swept to power with 67 seats in the 70-member Delhi Assembly, leaving only three to the Bharatiya Janata Party and nil to the Congress. Later, Mr. Kejriwal was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Delhi. Uttarakhand govt launched on Feb 7 its ambitious

“Himalaya Darshan” programme as part of its ongoing efforts to boost tourism in the state.

Haryana to set up Gram Sachivalayas to bring Gram Panchayat and village level functionaries of all departments under one roof for better functioning.

The ten day long annual Taj Mahotsava, a cultural extravaganza, began in Agra, UP from 18th February.

Gujarat govt. has decided to set up ‘Plast India International University’ in Vapi in partnership with University of Massachusetts Lowell, USA.

Madhya Pradesh won the 10th National Award for excellent work in Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005 (MGNREGA).

Haryana launched e-registration of properties in all the 130 tehsil and sub-tehsils of the State on Feb 04.

The First World Ocean Science Congress (WOSC) was held in Kochi, Kerala from 5 to 8 February 2015.

JANUARY 2015

PUNJAB BANS SALE OF LOOSE CIGARETTES The Punjab state has banned the sale of loose cigarettes (as single sticks) and loose tobacco, becoming the first State to do so. Ban has been issued as the sale is in violation of Section 7 of the COTPA (Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products, Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution Act, 2003). Since loose cigarettes are affordable and do not carry a pictorial or a written warning, these will not be permitted to be sold.


J&K BEST IN e-INITIATIVE Jammu and Kashmir has been selected, for the first time, for National e-Governance Award 2014-15 for the best district- level initiative in the country, for the project e-Panchayat, launched in 2013-14

ASSAM ONLY PLACE TO GROW ‘PURPLE TEA’ According to a senior scientist and tea expert according to Tocklai Tea Research Institute, Jorhat, Assam can emerge as the only place in the world after Kenya to become a producer of health-rich medicinal purple tea. Currently, Kenya is the only country that produces unique purple tea which fetches three to four times the price of black tea. Amitabh Bachchan appointed as the brand

Ambassador for health sector in Andhra Pradesh. Hampi Utsav Jan 9 – 11, a mega cultural festival of

dance, drama, art and music held at Hampi, the erstwhile seat of the Vijayanagar Empire in Karnataka.

Governor’s rule imposed in J&K as political parties failed to muster the requisite number in the 87-member Assembly for staking claim to form the government.

Voting for all 70 Delhi Assembly seats will be held on February 7 and counting of votes will be done on February 10

Haryana has appointed yoga guru Ramdev as the state's brand ambassador to promote yoga and ayurveda in a big way.

DECEMBER 2014

WORLD’s LARGEST HUMAN FLAG India set a new world record on Dec 7 for forming the largest human flag, when over fifty thousand volunteers formed the Indian Tricolour, at YMCA Grounds in Chennai, beating the previous record held by the Sports Club of Lahore where 28,957 people formed the flag of Pakistan. DIAL 161 FOR 4000 SERVICES IN KARNATAKA On Dec 8, Karnataka launched “Mobile one” e-governance initiative to enable public to access 4000 government and a few private services on their mobile phones just by dialling 161. They can pay electricity, water and BSNL telephone bills through their phones. Farmers can know about monsoon, market rates and subsidies. The young aspirants can know about job offers in private sector.

On Nov 29, Meghalaya got its first rail link when PM Modi flagged off a train from Maligaon, Guwahati to Mendipathar in Meghalaya, a distance of 131 kms.

Andhra govt. signed a MoU with Singapore for the development of its new capital that is set to come up near Vijawayada region.

The New Year festival of Tibetans known as Losar festival is celebrated mainly in Lahaul Distt. It denotes the start of winter session in the valley.

Maharashtra to observe the year 2015 as “Year of Digitised and Time-Bound Services” to standardise, simplify and deliver the services electronically.

Arunachal Pradesh won the Krishi Karman Award for the year 2013-14 for showing exemplary agri-performance in 14 different categories.

Manipur to set up a Cultural University to promote its rich cultural heritage, like Russia’s Moscow State Art and Cultural University.

Militants of the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (Songbijit) gunned down over 80 persons in Sonitpur and Kokrajhar districts of Assam.

GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES

FEBRUARY 2015 NITI AAYOG HOLDS ITS FIRST MEETING

In the first meeting of the Governing Council of NITI Aayog in New Delhi, the Prime Minister described ‘Team India’ as a combination of three teams – the Prime Minister and Chief Ministers; the Union Council of Ministers; and the bureaucracy in the Centre and States. He suggested formation of three sub groups for improved functioning of ‘Team India’. The first sub-group will study the 66 centrally-

sponsored schemes and recommend which schemes should continue, which should be transferred to states, and which to discontinue.

The second sub-group will focus on skill development and creation of skilled manpower within states.

The third sub-group will decide on the institutional mechanisms to be evolved for Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan, so that cleanliness becomes a part of life in perpetuity.


It was also decided that all the states should create two task forces under the aegis of the NITI Aayog, one to focus on poverty alleviation, and the other to focus on future development of agriculture.

ALL INDIA MOBILE NUMBER PORTABILITY From May 3, cell phone subscribers will be able to retain the same mobile number on relocating to anywhere in India. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India amended the mobile number portability (MNP) regulations for this purpose. At present, number portability is available only within a telecom circle. PM LAUNCHES SOIL HEALTH CARD SCHEME The nationwide “Soil Health Card” scheme was launched by the Prime Minister from Suratgarh, Rajasthan on Feb 19, focusing on the health of soil to boost productivity and bring about increased prosperity. At least 14 crore cards are envisaged to be issued over the next three years. Test reports could be made available over the internet or mobile phones, said the blueprint of the scheme. ‘MADAD’ LAUNCHED FOR CONSULAR SERVICES Government has launched Consular Grievances Monitoring System named MADAD-Because You Are Us- to register grievances pertaining to the Consular Services offered by the Indian Missions and Posts abroad. It will speed up forwarding and handling of grievance of the consular related matters. NATIONAL DEWORMING DAY ON FEB 10 The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare launched the first National Deworming Day on Feb 10 to reduce the threat of parasitic worm infections in children. Medicine Albendazole will be orally administered to pre-school and school-going children between one and nineteen years of age in 12 states to begin with. TWO CRORE TOILETS UNDER MNREGA Govt plans to construct over two crore toilets in select villages across the country under a programme of making India free from open defecation by 2019. The project will be implemented under MNREGA. Literate and active women MNREGA workers will be selected as the 'Sanitary Mates' to provide basic lessons about use of toilets to people living in villages.

The govt has launched a single window e-Biz portal for 11 Central government services to bring transparency in the ease of doing business.

The government plans to launch a new scheme 'Krishi Daak Service' to distribute improved seed varieties to farmers at their doorstep, through post-offices.

Govt has constituted a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by Pramod Asthana for re-investigation of the 1984 anti-Sikh riot cases.

The govt has launched a single window e-Biz portal for 11 Central government services to bring transparency and ease of doing business.

JANUARY 2015

SCHEME LAUNCHED TO SAVE GIRL CHILD Prime Minister launched the nationwide 'Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao' (save girl child, educate her) campaign from Panipat in Haryana on Jan 22 to counter the adverse sex ratio in the country.

Noted film actress Madhuri Dixit was roped in as the brand ambassador of the campaign.

A special savings scheme by the name ‘Sukanya Samriddhi Account’ was also launched to encourage special savings for girl child.

SUKANYA SAMRIDDHI ACCOUNT Account can be opened in the name of a girl child of

up to 10-year-old. After attaining the age of 10 years, the account

holder can herself operate the account. Accounts can be opened in name of girl child in

banks and post offices, Interest payment at 9.1 per cent per annum. Deposits can be made for 14 years from the date of

opening of the account. Half of the fund can be withdrawn for her higher

education and marriage after she attains 18 years of age.

The scheme would mature on completion of 21 years from the date of opening of the account.

The account can be transferred anywhere in India Minimum deposit of Rs. 1000 and thereafter any

amount in multiple of Rs. 100 can be deposited. Amount deposited in the scheme is eligible for

income tax rebate. For one time, a girl child who has attained the age of

10 years prior to one year from the date of introduction of this scheme is also eligible under the scheme.


A maximum of Rs. 1,50,000 can be deposited in a financial year.

The account can be opened in any post office or authorized branches of commercial banks across the country by producing birth certificate of the girl child.

To meet the requirement of higher education expenses of the account holder girl child, partial withdrawal of 50 % of the balance would be allowed after the girl child has attained the age of 18 years.

The amount can be deposited in cash, cheque or demand draft.

SCHEMES LAUNCHED FOR SC ENTREPRENEURS In a bid to promote entrepreneurship among the Scheduled Castes (SCs), the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment launched two schemes on Jan 16 as under: 1. Venture Capital Fund for Scheduled Castes, with an initial capital of Rs.200 crore to provide financial assistance up to Rs.15 crore for up to six years to SC entrepreneurs. IFCI Ltd. will act as Nodal Agency to operate this fund. 2. Green Business Scheme to provide loans up to Rs.1 lakh at concessional rate of interest to SCs for running e-rickshaw, solar pumps and other solar energy-powered implements. HRIDAY SCHEME LAUNCHED

The government has launched a Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY) to preserve and rejuvenate the rich cultural heritage of the country. In the initial phase, 12 heritage cities have been identified which will be rejuvenated and developed. NITI AAYOG IN, PLANNING COMMISSION OUT On Jan 1, the government announced that the Planning Commission has been restructured and rechristened as the NITI (National Institution for Transforming India) Aayog. It will be a multi-tiered structure headed by Prime Minister with a governing council comprising of the chief ministers of all states and lieutenant governors of union territories.

‘PRICE STABILISATION FUND’ LAUNCHED Govt plans to set up a ‘Price Stabilisation Fund’ (PSF), with a corpus of Rs 500 crore, to check price volatility through procurement of selected perishable horticulture produce, maintenance of buffer stocks and their regulated release into the market. To begin with, interventions would be supported for onions and potatoes only and other commodities may be added later on. ON-LINE TRACKING OF TOILET USAGE Union Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation has said that people would be mobilised to check and verify the use of toilets in the rural areas and they can post photos or upload data of non use or misuse of toilets through mobile phones, tablets or I-Pads onto a website in real time. Shortage of toilets costs the country more than $50 billion a year, mostly through premature deaths and hygiene-related diseases, according to a World Bank study. NORMS RELAXED FOR SEZs Aiming to revitalise SEZs, the government has permitted dual-use of non-processing areas in special economic zones, allowing developers to set up social infrastructure like schools, hospitals and hotels which can be accessed by people within and outside these conclaves. FACILITY TO LODGE FIR IN TRAIN Under a new initiative by North Central Railway, rail passengers will now be able to lodge an FIR in the train itself. Earlier the passenger had to cut short his visit and register the FIR at the nearest Government Railway Police (GRP) station. HELPLINE LAUNCHED FOR DRUG ADDICTS Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has launched a toll-free helpline (1800-11-0031) to assist the alcoholic and drug-dependent persons. Initially, the helpline will operate from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm from Monday to Saturday and will be upgraded later on to a 24x7 helpline. GREEN INDIA MISSION LAUNCHED Govt launched 'Green India Mission' for undertaking eco-friendly development of the rural areas. To begin with 18 villages in Seraikela forest division in Jharkhand have been selected. DBTL LAUNCHED IN 622 DISTRICTS The Direct Benefit Transfer of LPG (DBTL) scheme, now called ‘Pratyaksh Hanstantarit Labh’ (PAHAL), launched in 622 districts w.e.f. Jan 1, 2015. Finally, the scheme will cover over 15.3 crore consumers across 676 districts of the country.


N I T I A A Y O G

(National Institution for Transforming India)

The Planning Commission was set up by the government in March 1950 with the declared objective to promote a rapid rise in the standard of living of the people by efficient exploitation of the resources of the country, increasing production and offering opportunities to all for employment in the service of the community. However, from being a under-developed economy in 1947, India has now emerged a powerful economic giant being the third largest economy in the world on the basis of Purchasing Power Parity. The government has felt the need for a change in the organisational set up to take the economy to a next level of development and meet the aspirations of the people.

Shortcomings observed with the system of Planning Commission India is a multi cultural country with distinct languages, faiths and cultural ecosystems. The government feels that the time has come for a paradigm shift in the manner the policies are planned and implemented; taking in to account the view points of the states as the major stakeholder in the process of planning. The earlier approach of one size fits all came for a sharp criticism depriving the states of formulating policies for their area based on local requirements. Further, the exercise in planning that was being followed by the erstwhile Planning Commission hardly had any relevance for the present day market economy. There was conflict between the ‘planning framework’ and the role of ‘market’. The role of public sector which were the prime movers of economy in the initial stages of development were now incapable of meeting the demands of the emerging economy. With the public sector getting edged out with the private capital playing a crucial role in the development, the role of Planning Commission was more ‘obstructive’ than ‘objective’. The new body is expected to assist in policy making to enable the private capital and the entrepreneur to reach its full potential. The NITI Aayog will reorient its policies keeping in view the following challenges being faced by the Indian Economy: 1. Leveraging of India’s demographic dividend i.e. making

the best use of young population of the nation for development and realisation of their potential through education, skill development, elimination of gender bias, and employment.

2. Rather than emphasising reduction of poverty, the new mantra will be-Elimination of poverty, and the chance for every Indian to live a life of dignity and self-respect.

3. Reddressal of inequalities based on gender bias, caste and economic disparities.

4. Integrate villages institutionally into the development process.

5. Policy support to more than 50 million small businesses, which are a major source of employment creation.

6. Safeguarding of our environmental and ecological assets.

STRUCTURE OF NITI AAYOG The NITI Aayog will comprise the following: A. Chairperson: Prime Minister of India B. Governing Council: Comprising the Chief Ministers of

all the States and Lt. Governors of Union Territories C. Regional Councils: will be formed to address specific

issues and contingencies impacting more than one state or a region.

D. Experts, specialists and practitioners with relevant domain knowledge as special invitees nominated by the Prime Minister

Full-time organizational framework will comprise of: 1. Chairperson: Prime Minster 2. Vice Chairperson : To be appointed by the Prime

Minister 3. Members: Full-time 4. Part-time members: Maximum of two from leading

universities research organizations and other relevant institutions in an ex-officio capacity. Part time members will be on a rotational basis.

5. Ex Officio members: Maximum of 4 members of the Union Council of Ministers to be nominated by the Prime Minister.

6. Chief Executive Officer: To be appointed by the Prime Minister for a fixed tenure, in the rank of Secretary to the Government of India.

7. Secretariat as deemed necessary. (Note: for actual office holders please see APPOINTMENTS section page 32)

Shortcomings foreseen in the process: I. Will it continue to work in the same way as the

previous Planning Commission was working? II. Distribution of Funds: This body is unlikely to allocate

funds or devise five-year and annual plans as was being done by the Planning Commission. There is also a question mark on its other key role regarding allocation of resources to state governments.

The earlier plan allocation to states was being done through the Gadgil-Mukherjee formula. It will have to be worked out under the new dispensation. The Gadgil-Mukherjee formula has relevance because it ensured well-to-do states had to spare resources and money for the less prosperous ones. The success of this organisation will depend on the following factors: Trust and cooperation it receives here from the

different ministries and the departments, it will be working with.

Cooperation it receives from the states The first Aayog has onerous task of shaping the destiny of the nation and making it an important new ‘institution’ in the federal polity obligated with the objective of transforming India from a developing economy to the next level of development.

---x---


CHANDIGARH COULD BE FIRST ‘SMART CITY’

Finance Minister has indicated that the first Indian smart city to be created probably could be Chandigarh. Smart cities would be built in a way so that they have uninterrupted power, water, proper sanitation, efficient management of solid waste, decongestion of roads, last mile connectivity and effective use of ICT. Several countries like Japan, Germany, Sweden, Singapore, Israel, UK, US, Hong Kong and the Netherlands have shown interest in building smart cities in India. DOMESTIC EFFICIENT LIGHTING PROGRAMME Prime Minister launched a scheme for LED (light emitting diodes) bulb distribution under Domestic Efficient Lighting Programme (DELP) in Delhi on 5th January. The LED bulbs will be supplied at an initial payment of Rs 10 each and recovery of Rs 10 each for 12 months from their electricity bill. The programme shall be launched all over the country. SPECIAL PHABLET LAUNCHED FOR FARMERS ICRISAT launched a customised low-cost combination of phone and tablet computer ‘greenphablet’ for small farmers. The device is powered by GreenSIM and is dust- and shatter-proof, readable under bright sunlight; operates from -20°C to +60°C.

ICRISAT: International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics. HQ: Hyderbad, Telangana ‘HIMMAT’- MOBILE APP FOR WOMEN India's first integrated mobile application for women safety called ‘Himmat' was launched in Delhi on Jan 1. The app can alert the police in the hour of need by either shaking the phone or pressing the power button twice. It is directly linked to the Police Control Room and allows police to locate the victim, with updation every ten seconds. PRESIDENT APPROVES JUDICIAL COMMISSION President gave his assent to the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) Act, nearly ending the two-decade-old collegium system for appointment of judges of the Supreme Court and 24 high courts. The commission will be headed by the Chief Justice and will have five other members - two senior-most judges of the SC, the Law Minister and two eminent persons.

INDIA’s 1st CNG TRAIN STARTS FROM REWARI Country’s first compressed natural gas (CNG) - powered train was flagged from Rewari, Haryana on Jan 13. The dual-fuel CNG Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) will run between Rewari and Rohtak everyday and would help in reducing the operating cost of locomotives by over 50%. India’s first International Institute of Music will be set

up in Kerala by a trust headed by Sarod Maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan and his family.

Department of Disability Affairs has been renamed as Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Viklangjan Sashaktikaran Vibhag).

President signed the Citizenship Ordinance to merge Person of Indian Origin (PIO) and Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) schemes and to grant life-long Indian visa to PIOs.

DECEMBER 2014

NATIONAL MISSION FOR TEACHERS Prime Minister launched a Rs 900-crore scheme "Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya National Mission on Teachers and Teaching" at Benaras Hindu University, Varanasi on Dec 25 aimed at creating an environment for producing high quality teachers. GRAHAK SUVIDHA KENDRAS FOR CONSUMERS Government has decided to set-up Grahak Suvidha Kendras (Consumer care centres) to provide counseling to consumers in redressal of their grievances and assist them in registering their complaints in the appropriate consumer forums. The Centres will also be authorized to take up complaints with private companies and service providers on behalf of the government. MISSION INDRADHANUSH FOR VACCINATION

Government has launched Mission Indradhanush to cover all those children by 2020 who are either unvaccinated or partially vaccinated against seven vaccine preventable diseases - Diphtheria, Whooping Cough, Tetanus, Polio, Tuberculosis, Measles and Hepatitis B.


ORDINANCE FOR 49% FDI IN INSURANCE On Dec 24, Union Cabinet approved promulgation of the ordinance on Insurance Bill to raise foreign investment cap in the insurance sector from 26 to 49 per cent. It re-promulgated the ordinance to allow resumption of coal block allocation. It also opened the medical devices sector to foreign investment by allowing 100 per cent FDI in these. COMMITTING SUICIDE IS NO MORE A CRIME The government has decided to repeal Section 309 from the Indian Penal Code, claiming support of 18 states and 4 Union Territories for decriminalizing attempt to commit suicide. The step was taken on the recommen-dation of the Law Commission of India. Section 309 of IPC makes the act of suicide punishable with jail term of up to one year and fine. ‘SUSHASAN EXPRESS’ TO HONOUR VAJPAYEE To honour former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, a new train - The Sushaasan (good governance) Express launched on Dec 25, from Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh), the birth place of Mr. Vajpayee, to Gonda in Uttar Pradesh. Govt has decided to pay 8.75 per cent interest on

provident fund deposits of Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) for the year 2014-15.

Justice G P Mathur committee set up to examine the possibility of forming a Special Investigation Team for re investigation of the 1984 anti-Sikh riot cases.

ECONOMIC INDICATORS

FEBRUARY 2015 INDIA SET TO GROW BY 7.4% The Central Statistics Office (CSO) data released on Feb 10 showed that India is set to grow 7.4 per cent in the year 2014-15 and cross the $2.1-trillion mark against 6.9 per cent achieved in 2013-14 on the back of robust manufacturing sector performance and a surge in public expenditure. India's monthly per capita income is likely to be at

Rs 7,378.17 this financial year, up over 10 per cent from last year, when it was Rs. 6,699.88 year.

India grew 7.5 per cent in the October-December quarter, overtaking China’s 7.3 per cent growth in the same quarter, to become the fastest growing major economy in the world.

The Central Statistics Office has revised its base year to 2011-12

CORE SECTOR GROWTH DOWN TO 2.4 % Slump in the production of crude oil and natural gas, pushed the growth rate of eight core sector industries to three-month low of 2.4 per cent in December 2014 as compared to 6.7 percent in Nov, 2014. TRADE GAP SHRINKS TO $ 8.3 BILLION India's trade deficit narrowed to an 11 month low of 8.3 billion dollar in January 2015 due to the sharpest contraction in imports since May last year. Exports sharply contracted by 11.19 % in Jan to $ 23.9 billion while imports declined by 11.39 % to $32.2 billion.

India's foreign exchange reserves soared by $ 1.03 billion to touch a new lifetime high of $ 334.19 billion for the week ended 20th February.

Growth in industrial production slowed to 1.7 % in December 2014 from 3.9 percent in November, mainly due to contraction in the mining sector.

JANUARY 2015 INDIA SET TO GROW BETTER THAN CHINA As per Global Economics Prospects Report published by the World Bank, India is set to clock a 7% rise in GDP in 2017 compared with 6.9% for bigger rival China. “India will recover to 6.4% in the current calendar year itself on the back of higher export growth and bolstered investor confidence with the election of a reform-minded government at the Centre”, said the report. INDIA TO GROW BY 6.5% - MORGAN STANLEY A report by global financial giant Morgan Stanley says that Indian economy is on its way to grow by 6.5 per cent as the government's reforms agenda is on track and the pace is accelerating too. INDIAN ECONOMY SET TO GROW AT 6.4% Speaking at the Vibrant Gujarat Summit, World Bank President Jim Yong Kim said that the Indian economy was likely to grow at 6.4 per cent in the current year and accelerate further in the next year in view of the economic measures being taken by the present government.

A report by the IMF says that India is expected to grow at 6.3 per cent this year and 6.5 per cent in 2016 by when it is likely to cross China's projected growth rate.

A United Nations report says that India will see gradual growth acceleration with its GDP expected to reach 5.9 per cent this year and 6.3 per cent in 2016.

India's GDP growth has averaged 6.5 per cent over the last 25 years, while in the last two years it averaged 4.9% alongside very high inflation till recently.


FISCAL DEFICIT TO BE CUT TO 3.6% OF GDP The Expenditure Management Commission, headed by Bimal Jalan, has recommended to the government that it should cut fiscal deficit to 3.6 per cent of the GDP during 2015-16. The recommendations are as per the provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act, 2003. FDI IN INDIA UP BY 14 PER CENT

As per the 'Global Investment Trade Monitor' report released by United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), India's FDI increased by 26 per cent in 2014 to an estimated 35 billion US dollar with maximum growth in the service sector, despite the decline in global Foreign Direct Investment inflows. NEW CPI FOR BETTER PROJECTION For presenting a more accurate and realistic price situation, government plans to release by next month a new series of Consumer Price Index (CPI) with 2012 as base year for computing retail inflation rate. Figures for January 2015 will be compiled on revised base and will be released on February 12.

As per a Labour Bureau survey, unemployment rate in the country rose to 4.9 per cent in 2013-14, mainly on account of increase in joblessness in rural areas.

DECEMBER 2014

MOODY’S PROJECTS INDIA’S GROWTH @6% Global rating agency Moody’s has projected that Indian economy is expected to pick up pace in 2015 and grow in the range of 5 to 6 per cent, helped by strong domestic demand.

The ADB says that India is on track to achieve 5.5% growth rate in 2014-15 as declining oil prices present a golden opportunity for many beneficial reforms.

ECONOMY & INDUSTRY

FEBRUARY 2015 GOVT NOTIFIES ‘IND AS’ NORMS Government has notified the rules for Indian Accounting Standards (Ind AS) which are converged with global standards IFRS. The norms will be mandatory for companies from 1 April 2016. However, these norms can be followed by corporates on a voluntary basis from 1 April 2015. For companies having net worth of Rs.500 crore or more, the norms would be mandatory from 1 April, 2016. NUCLEAR SUPPLIERS NOT LIABLE Govt has clarified that the U.S. suppliers of nuclear reactors and parts will not be directly liable in case of a nuclear accident, nor can they be sued by Indian nuclear operators unless the contract they sign clearly states it. Further, the immediate liability for any incident will be channelled only to the operator — in this case the public sector unit Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd. There will be no changes in the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damages (CLND) Act, 2011. ADB TO GRANT $400 LOAN TO INDIA The Asian Development Bank has inked two loan agreements worth USD 400 million with India to upgrade district roads in Madhya Pradesh and to support improvements to power transmission and distribution systems in Assam. Of this, $350 million is for Madhya Pradesh and remaining $50 mn. for Assam.

India reclaimed its position as the leading consumer of gold in 2014 with an estimated consumption of 880 tonnes against China’s 866 tonnes.

World Bank agrees to grant $ 8 million loan to India for sustainable livelihoods and adaption to climate change project of National Rural Livelihoods Mission.

JANUARY 2015 ‘MAKE IN INDIA’ IS BIG HIT ONLINE The Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion-led Make In India (MII) initiative has become the largest and fastest growing government initiative ever on digital platform. Within three months of its launch, the initiative has already touched over 2.1 Billion global impressions on social media and reached an overall fan base of over 3 Million on its Facebook page. Make In India initiative focuses on attracting businesses to invest and manufacture in India.


DUTY FREE IMPORTS FROM AFGHANISTAN India has allowed duty free access to Afghanistan’s export products in Indian markets under the Agreement of South Asia Free Trade Area (SAFTA). The export consignments will be allowed through the Integrated Check Post at Attari in Amritsar, Punjab. INFOSYS TO INVEST $ 250 MILLION Leading IT company - Infosys has assured Indian government that they will spend USD 250 million to fund innovations in software and services in India. The assurance was made by company CEO Vishal Sikka during his meeting with the Prime Minister. IMPORT OF MOBILES RESTRICTED

Government has prohibited imports of all kind of mobile handsets with fake or duplicate Unique Identity Numbers. The decision will help the security agencies to track callers using different SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) cards. ‘PK’ CREATES BOX OFFICE RECORDS According to a report on Boxofficeindia.com, the film PK recorded a sale of Rs. 500 crore gross worldwide within two weeks of its release, there by becoming first ever Indian movie to have such huge collection in this period. OFFICE SPACE COST HIGHEST IN NEW DELHI Connaught Place in the National Capital has become the world’s sixth costliest office destination, with an annual occupancy cost of around $ 160 per square feet, says a report of global property consultant CBRE. (London is the costliest, followed by Hong Kong and Beijing.) NEW FERTILIZERS COMPANY FORMED National Fertilizers Limited (NFL), Engineers India Limited (EIL) and Fertilizer Corporation of India (FCIL) on 14 January 2015 signed an agreement to form a Joint Venture Company (JVC) Ramagundam Fertilizers and Chemicals Limited in Karimnagar district of Telengana. NEW NAME FOR IRDA Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA) has been renamed as ‘Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India’ after the promulgation of Insurance Laws (Amendment) Ordinance, 2014. European Union has decided to lift a seven-month-

long ban on the import of mangoes from India.

Sun Edison USA and India’s Adani Group will invest Rs.25,000 cr in setting up one of the world’s largest solar photovoltaic manufacturing unit in Gujarat.

ADB to give $ 75 million loan and $1.8 million grant to Karnataka for Integrated Urban Water Management Investment Program.

India and Israel have signed a joint agreement to implement the third phase of the agriculture cooperation project for next three years, 2015-18.

To boost the jute sector, govt has directed packaging of sugar and food grains in jute bags to minimum extent of up to 90 % of production.

To meet the fiscal deficit, the government sold 10 per cent stake in state owned Coal India Ltd to raise about Rs 24,000 crore.

Union Cabinet approved the hike of government stake in Industrial Finance Corporation of India (IFCI) Ltd. to 51 percent from around 48 percent at present.

DECEMBER 2014

RURAL HOMES – LOW ASSETS, HIGH DEBTS Findings of the 70th round of National Sample Survey's All India Debt and Investment Survey show that households in rural areas hold assets worth over Rs. 10 lakh on average, less than half the holdings by those in cities. Further, about 31 per cent of the rural households and 22 per cent of the urban households reported debt (cash loan) outstanding as on June 30, 2012. The average amount of debt for a rural household was Rs 32,522 and that for an urban household was Rs 84,625. FINANCE COMMISSION SUBMITS REPORT The 14th Finance Commission, headed by former Reserve Bank of India, RBI governor Y V Reddy, submitted its report to the President's office on Dec 11. The panel has given its views on the devolution of tax receipts from the Centre to the states from 1st April 2015 to 31st March 2020. WORLD BANK LOAN FOR EDFC

India has inked a US $1100 million IBRD Direct Lending pact with the World Bank for phase two of the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC). It is a 1849 kms broad gauge railway freight corridor, starting from Ludhiana, Punjab to Dankuni, Kolkata in West Bengal.


IFRS TO BE APPLICABLE FROM APRIL 1, 2015 The Ministry of Corporate Affairs has advised that the new International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) shall be applicable for large companies that can voluntarily start adopting them in the next fiscal year starting April 1, 2015, after which the rules will become compulsory. GOVT GETS 1715 CRORE FROM SAIL

Union government mopped up around 1715 crore rupees with the sale of 5 percent stake in SAIL at a floor price of 83 rupees per share, increasing the public share to 25 per cent. As per the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Rules of SEBI, minimum public shareholding in listed state-owned firms should be 25 percent and this must be achieved by 21 August 2017. CREDIT GUARANTEE FUND FOR FACTORING The Union Cabinet has cleared a proposal for setting up of a 500 crore rupees Credit Guarantee Fund for Factoring for MSMEs (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises). Factoring is a financing arrangement for suppliers by making pre-payments against invoices. It facilitates collection of receivables and provides liquidity to MSMEs Government has asked PSUs to ensure that they

procure 20% of their requirements from the products manufactured by MSMEs, w.e.f. April 01, 2015.

Snapdeal.com has announced the launch of ‘Agri Store’, offering online products like seeds, fertilizer and irrigation tools, among others, to farmers.

World Bank will lend Rs 475 crore ($75 million) to the Andhra Pradesh Government for implementing a rural growth project.

Government has fixed an export target of $340 billion for the current fiscal. Actual exports last year were $312.6 billion.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will extend $200 million loan to Punjab to improve the state's fiscal situation.

India Germany sign loan pact for euro 625 million for the Green Energy Corridors project under the Indo-German bilateral development cooperation.

The World Bank has approved $130 million credit for the Nepal Grid Solar and Energy Efficiency Project to minimize energy shortages in Nepal.

BANKING & FINANCE

FEBRUARY 2015

SLR SLASHED TO 21.5 PER CENT In its 6th Bi-monthly Monetary Policy Statement announced on Feb 3, the Reserve Bank held interest rates steady at 7.75 per cent but cut the statutory liquidity ratio (SLR) by 50 basis points to 21.5 per cent of their total deposits from February 7, prodding banks to increase lending. This cut will spare around Rs 42,000 crore with the banks, giving them more leverage for lending. RBI has estimated that the real GDP in 2015-16 is expected to rise by 6.5 percent.

INDIANS CAN INVEST $2.50 LAC OVERSEAS Encouraged by foreign exchange reserves touching record peak levels, the Reserve Bank in its by monthly policy statement announced on Feb 3, doubled the annual overseas investment ceiling for individuals to $250,000 per person per year under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS).

WELCOME THE NEW ONE RUPEE NOTE The Reserve Bank of India will soon put in circulation currency notes in one rupee denomination. The notes will be printed by the Government of India as provided in The Coinage Act 2011. The government had discontinued printing of one rupee notes in November 1994 due to higher printing costs. RBI ALLOWS NON-CALLABLE DEPOSITS The RBI has allowed banks to offer deposit schemes up to Rs 1 crore which cannot be broken prematurely — so-called non-callable deposits — and they can earn different rates of interest. At present, all deposits accepted from individuals and a Hindu Undivided Family up to Rs 1 crore can be withdrawn prematurely, leading to asset-liability mismatches in banks. PMJDY GETS IN TO GUINNESS BOOK Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana has got overwhelming response all over the country. It entered the Guinness Book of World Record for opening over 12.5 crore bank accounts through the public sector banks with around 10,500 crore rupees. The Rupay Debit Cards have been issued to over eleven crore account holders so far. PMJDY OD TO BE PART OF PRIORITY SECTOR Reserve Bank has advised that the overdrafts extended by banks up to Rs.5,000 in PMJDY accounts will be eligible for classification under priority sector advances (‘others’ category) and also under ‘weaker sections’, provided the borrower’s household annual income does not exceed Rs.60,000 for rural areas and Rs.1.20 lakh in non-rural areas.


GOVT TO INFUSE EQUITY NINE BANKS Government will infuse Rs. 6,990 crore in nine public sector banks including SBI, Bank of Baroda and Punjab National Bank for enhancing their capital to meet the global risk norms under Basel III guidelines of Bank for International Settlements. This is the first tranche of capital infusion for which the government had allocated Rs. 11,200 crore in the budget for 2014-15. BANKS TO BE CLOSED ON 2ND/4TH SATURDAY As per an agreement reached between IBA and bank unions, public sector banks will remain closed on second and fourth Saturdays. However, they will work full-day on remaining Saturdays. At present banks work half-day on all Saturdays. BANKS TO DISCLOSE UNCLAIMED DEPOSITS In a bid to help people who have unclaimed deposits lying with banks, RBI has directed banks to prominently display such account holders' names on the websites and provide them with a "Find" option to locate the information easily. BANKS TO INSTALL CASH DEPOSIT MACHINES The Reserve Bank has allowed banks to install Cash Deposit Machines/ Bunch Note Acceptor Machines at locations selected by them (banks) without getting its prior permission. RBI, however, advised banks to install such machines with adequate security arrangements. BANKS NOT TO SEND FAKE NOTES TO POLICE The Union home ministry has asked the Reserve Bank to direct the banks that in case the number of counterfeit currency notes seized at a bank branch is up to four pieces in a single transaction, they need not send notes to the police but handle it themselves. Banks should not return counterfeit or fake note to the customers; instead, it should be cancelled & retained by the banks. INSTANT REMITTANCE APP FROM ICICI BANK ICICI Bank has launched ‘Pockets’, a digital banking service, enabling users to instantly send money to any e-mail id, mobile number, friends on Facebook and bank account. Anyone, including those who are not customers of ICICI Bank, can easily download the ‘e-wallet’ from Google Playstore, fund it from any bank account in the country and can start transactions immediately. HDFC BANK RAISES 10,000 Cr FROM PUBLIC HDFC Bank raised about Rs 8,000 crore by selling American Depository Receipts in USA and another Rs. 2000 crore by selling India-listed shares to qualified institutional investors in India. It was the largest follow-on offer by a private sector firm. With this sale, HDFC Bank became one of the best capitalised lenders in the country with a capital adequacy ratio of 15.7 per cent.

CIC MEMBERSHIP COMPULSORY FOR LENDERS Reserve Bank has asked all credit institutions to become members of all Credit Information Companies. As per present rules, NBFCs are required to become member of at least one CIC and provide them credit data. RULES FOR INVESTMENT ADVISORY SERVICES Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has said that a bank or an NBFC which proposes to undertake investment advisory services has to first obtain permission by Reserve Bank of India and then shall apply to SEBI for grant of registration. RBI has lifted the ban on imports of gold coins and

medallions by banks and trading houses. However, the sales will be permitted against upfront payment only.

A high powered committee chaired by R Gandhi, Dy. Governor RBI is formed to review the structure and functioning of the Urban Cooperative Banking Sector.

HDFC Bank is set to introduce a new app, Chillr, which will allow users to send money to any contact in their phone books, 24X7.

JANUARY 2015 RBI LOWERS REPO RATE TO 7.75% The Reserve Bank of India on 15th January, 2015 cut down repo rate by 25 basis points to 7.75 percent from 8 percent, with immediate effect, yielding to growing signs of slowing inflation and a flagging recovery. RBI has announced this rate cut ahead of its next monetary policy on February 3. Consequently, the reverse repo rate under the LAF stands adjusted to 6.75 per cent, and the marginal standing facility (MSF) rate and the Bank Rate to 8.75 per cent with immediate effect. This cut in repo rate is likely to reduce interest rate on various bank loans. NEW GUIDELINES FOR BASE RATE The Reserve Bank of India has asked banks to notify the Base Rate, or the minimum lending rate, at least once in every three months, based on the cost of funds; a move seen as a demand on bankers to pass on the changes in the policy rate to borrowers. At present, the review of the Base Rate does not have a fixed schedule. Further, banks have been allowed to review the Base Rate methodology after three years instead of the current periodicity of five years.


PMJDY CREATES WORLD RECORD Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) has emerged as the largest financial inclusion initiative in the world with 11.5 crore bank accounts opened under the scheme and has entered the Guinness Book of World Records. The scheme covered 99.74 per cent of the households that were outside the banking system. ‘GYAN SANGAM’ – BANKERS’ SUMMIT AT PUNE India's top PSU bankers and select policy makers gathered in Pune for a two-day (Jan 2-3) retreat - 'Gyan Sangam’ for a brainstorming session to give a facelift to PSU banks. Bankers made presentations on their agenda for reforms with the focus on promotion of financial inclusion. RBI CLARIFIES ON SMALL BANKS The Reserve Bank has clarified that business houses with assets above Rs 1,000 crore and having finance companies will not be eligible to apply for a small bank license. Further, if the existing non-banking finance companies apply for the small bank, they will have to fold their operations into the small bank. SMALL RRBs EXEMPTED FROM FATCA The Reserve Bank has advised that Regional Rural Banks with assets less than $175 million need not register with the US Internal Revenue System under FATCA- Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act. FATCA is a US law whereby foreign financial institutions across the world have to report to the US IRS of any transaction of clients who could be subjected to American tax laws. RBI TO SHARE INFO WITH US FEDRAL The RBI has signed an information sharing agreement with US banking regulators for better coordination in supervising financial institutions. RBI concluded an agreement on Supervisory Cooperation and Exchange of Supervisory Information with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, Office of the Comptroller of Currency and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, all from USA. RBI TO SHARE INFORMATION WITH BRAZIL The Reserve Bank of India has signed a Memorandum of Understanding on “Supervisory Cooperation and Exchange of Supervisory Information” with Banco Central do Brasil, central bank of Brazil. BANKS ALLOWED AS INSURANCE BROKERS Seeking to increase insurance penetration in the country, the Reserve Bank of India has allowed banks to act as brokers for insurers, set up their own subsidiaries and also undertake referral services for multiple companies.

TRANSPARENCY IN LOANS RBI has asked banks to display on their website the total fees and charges applicable on various types of loans and should be disclosed to individual borrower also at the time of processing of loan. NABARD JOINS HANDS WITH IIM, A’BAD Nabard has signed an MoU with the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, to set up a Chair to encourage research in climate change, rural livelihood and financial inclusion, among others. The chair is expected to offer inputs on issues confronting agriculture marketing and suggest innovative models to make farming a more profitable proposition for the country's farmers. ICICI BANK LAUNCHES CONTACTLESS CARDS ICICI Bank has launched the country’s first contactless debit and credit cards that use the near-field communication (NFC) technology, enabling customer to make payments by just waving the card near merchant terminals instead of swiping the same. The new technology provides customers improved convenience of speed and security as the card remains with customer. KOTAK LAUNCHES JIFI SAVER ACCOUNT Kotak Mahindra Bank has launched Jifi Saver, a social savings bank account which can be seamlessly managed via Twitter and Facebook, offering almost all the features of a regular savings account. NEW KYC NORMS FOR NBFCs Keeping in view the practical difficulties faced in frequent renewal of KYC norms, RBI has notified relaxed KYC time norms as under:

– For high-risk accounts – at least every 2 years – For medium risk accounts - at least every 8 years – For low risk accounts – at least every 10 years

Earlier, NBFCs were required to renew KYC norms every two years for high and medium risk accounts and every five years for low risk accounts. ATMs ALLOWED TO POST OFFICEES The government has allowed certain eligible branches of Post Offices to issue ATM cards for their Savings bank accounts and also to issue account statements instead of giving out passbooks. BANK LOANS / DEPOSITS MOVE UP Latest RBI data shows that the outstanding bank loans rose by 10.7 per cent to 63.91 trillion rupees in the two weeks up to January 9, compared to previous years during the same period, deposits grew by 11.9 per cent to Rs.84.16 trillion.


Yes Bank signed an agreement with U.S. govt’s Overseas Private Investment Corporation for $220 million loan for on-lending to micro, small and medium enterprises.

Reserve Bank and the European Central Bank (ECB) have signed a memorandum of understanding for cooperation in the area of central banking.

RBI has allowed Indians to carry high value notes of Rs 500 /1000 while travelling to Nepal and Bhutan with a cap of Rs 25,000 on the total amount.

Government has decided to separate the post of Chairman and Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, CEO in public sector banks.

DECEMBER 2014 CHARTER OF CUSTOMER RIGHTS The Reserve Bank released a charter of customer rights on Dec.3 that lays down five basic rights that bank customers enjoy. This will also simplify the process for common man as now he can simply flash this charter and demand that the rights be met. Here are the rights of customers as notified by the RBI. Right to Fair Treatment: No discrimination on basis

of gender, age, religion, caste and physical ability Right to Transparency, Fair and Honest

Dealing: Contracts or agreements between financial service provider and customer should be transparent and easy to understand

Right to Suitability: Products offered should be appropriate to the needs of the customer

Right to Privacy: Customers' personal information to be kept confidential. No unwarranted communication, electronic or otherwise, to be sent

Right to Grievance Redressal and Compen-sation: Banks accountable for products offered (including third party products like insurance, mutual funds) and to facilitate easy grievance redressal.

RBI DEFINES ‘NON COOPERATIVE BORROWER’ The Reserve Bank of India on Dec 22 issued a new set of norms defining non-cooperative borrowers (NCB). A NCB is one “ who does not engage constructively with his lender by defaulting in timely repayment of dues while having ability to pay, thwarting lenders' efforts for recovery of their dues by not providing necessary information sought, denying access to assets financed or collateral securities, obstructing sale of securities".

RRB AUTHORISED CAPITAL HIKED TO 2000 CR A bill to raise the authorised capital of Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) to Rs 2,000 crore (from Rs 5 crore at present) and enable them to mop up funds from the capital market was passed by the Lok Sabha on Dec 22. However, government participation combined with sponsoring bank’s share will not be allowed to come below 51 per cent.

PMJDY ACCOUNTS ARE FOR ALL Government has clarified that persons already having bank account need not open a fresh one to avail benefits of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY). They will have to apply for a RuPay card in the existing account to get benefit of accidental insurance and other benefits. BANKS ALLOWED TO HAVE PUBLIC ISSUE The Union Cabinet allowed state-run banks to raise equity capital from the market subject to the condition that government stake should not fall below 52%. The proposal is part of the government plan to cut banks' dependence on the budget for capital. INTEREST SUBVENTION ON FARM LOANS Government has approved the continuation of interest subvention for short-term crop loans up to Rs 3 lakh to farmers. This means that banks will charge only 7 per cent per annum. Further, additional interest subvention of 3 per cent per annum will be given to those farmers who repay on time that is within one year of disbursement of their short-term crop loans. RTGS TIMINGS INCREASED To promote electronic payments, the Reserve Bank of India has increased the Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) business hours to 12 hours from 8 am to 8 pm on weekdays and from 8 am to 3.30 pm on Saturday. The new timings will come into effect from 29 December, 2014. SBI LAUNCHES TWO NEW INDICES The State Bank of India has launched two indices namely the SBI Monthly Composite Index and the SBI Yearly Composite Index that will primarily track manufacturing activity and offer forward-looking economic trends. The index will help policy makers and market participants to identify turning points in the manufacturing cycles in advance and adjust their investment plans or strategy.

GYANM COLLEGE OF COMPETITIONS

Opens a Centre in BATHINDA

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NORMS RELAXED FOR PPIs RBI has doubled the limit for pre-paid payment instruments (PPI) to Rs. 1 lakh from Rs. 50,000 at present. Further, the maximum validity of gift cards has been enhanced from one year to three years. The move would help in achieving the objective of limiting cash transactions in the system. RBI STARTS BHARAT BILL PAYMENT SYSTEM The Reserve Bank has released the final guidelines for the Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS), which will help consumers pay multiple bills like electricity, telephone and school fees at a single point of transaction. The National Payment Corporation of India (NPCI) has been appointed as the nodal body for the system. HDFC BANK LAUNCHES MOBILE BANKING HDFC Bank launched in Varanasi, UP, its mobile banking initiative - 'Bank Aap Ki Muththi Mein' that works on both smartphones as well as the basic phones that support Internet browsing, to offer round-the-clock banking facility. INDIANS NOT KEEN TO OPERATE ACCOUNTS According to a nation-wide survey on financial behaviour, India has the highest account dormancy rate even more than countries like Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Nigeria, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Only 48 per cent of Indian adults have bank accounts and nearly half of them lie dormant, says a report. The deadline for exchanging pre-2005 currency

notes, including 500 and 1,000 rupees, has been extended by six months till June 30, 2015.

Yes Bank has raised $200 million loan from Asian Development Bank for onward lending to small farm households and rural women self help groups (SHGs).

RBI has imposed penalty of Rs. 5 million and 2.5 million, respectively, on ICICI bank and Bank of Baroda for violation of KYC norms.

Money supply rose by Rs 31,400 crore to Rs 101,950 crore ($1.61 trillion) in the fortnight to December 12, growing by 10.2 per cent on year on year basis.

GYANM COLLEGE OF COMPETITIONS

Opens a Centre in PATIALA

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DEFENCE, SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

FEBRUARY 2015 INDO NEPAL JOINT MILITARY EXERCISE

The 8th India-Nepal Battalion level Combined Military Training named Exercise Surya Kiran-VIII, commenced on 23 February 2015 at Integrated Army Training Centre, Saljhandi, Nepal. The exercise will end on 8 March 2015. AGNI V TEST FIRED SUCCESSFULLY India test fired its Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile (ICBM), Agni-V, for the first time from a canister mounted on a Tatra truck, from the Wheeler Island, off the Odisha coast. It traversed its full range of more than 5,000 km before plunging into the Indian Ocean.

India test-fired the supersonic BrahMos cruise missile from warship INS Kolkata, in Arabian Sea. It has a range of 290km and a top speed of Mach 2.8.

Indigenously developed nuclear capable Prithvi-II surface-to-surface missile with a range of 350 kms, tested at a test range at Chandipur in Odisha.

WORLD’s HIGHEST RESEARCH STATION The Defence Research and Development Organisation has established the world’s highest research station in Ladakh. Situated at an altitude of 17,586 feet at Chang La, about 80 km east of Leh, the research station will be used to develop and validate cold weather technologies for agriculture and allied fields.

Researchers in Australia have developed the world's first 3D-printed jet engine that could pave the way for cheaper, lighter and more fuel-efficient aircraft.


JANUARY 2015

LCA TEJAS INDUCTED IN AIR FORCE The first of the indigenously-built Light Combat Aircraft, LCA Tejas was handed over to the Indian Air Force on Jan 17 at the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Bengaluru. The project was sanctioned 32 years ago in 1983 to replace the ageing MiG-21s in Indian Air Force's combat fleet but has missed several deadlines due to several reasons. The project costed exchequer over Rs 17,000 crores. HAL plans to make 20 aircrafts by 2017-2018, to make the first squadron of the aircraft. DRDO TAPS GEOTHERMAL ENERGY Country’s first geothermal heating plant was launched successfully by the Snow and Avalanche Studies Establishment of DRDO at its Manali (HP) campus. The plant taps the heat differential above and below the Earth’s surface to achieve the desired temperature. It is a renewable, non-polluting constant source of energy. FIRST DISTT WITH BROAD BAND NETWORK On Jan 12, Idukki district in Kerala became the first district in the country to have all its gram panchayats connected through National Optical Fiber Network (NOFN) - hi-speed rural broadband network MICROSOFT LAUNCHES CORTANA FOR PCs Global IT giant Microsoft has announced that its new operating system - Windows 10 will also bring its voice-controlled assistant Cortana to PCs. Till now, Cortana was available in Windows Phone handsets only. Global IT giant - Apple Inc recorded highest quarterly profit of $18 billion in quarter ending December 2014. It was the largest profit ever made by a public company in the corporate history worldwide. INDIA TO JOIN NEUTRINO CLUB

India is on way to join the global high-end scientific Neutrino Club as the govt has approved a project for experiments in high energy physics. The project to be set up near Pottipuram village Theni districts of Tamil Nadu will have a world-class underground laboratory to study fundamental issues in science.

MOST POWERFUL ANTIBIOTIC DISCOVERED Scientists have discovered a powerful new antibiotic – Teixobactin which can kill an array of germs without the bugs easily becoming resistant to it, a potential weapon against a range of diseases. The discovery is a rare—and much-needed—breakthrough after almost thirty years in the quest for new antibiotics to overcome the problem of growing resistance to existing drugs.

NEW VACCINE FOR BLUE TONGUE DISEASE Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL), the wholly-owned subsidiary of National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), Hyderabad, has launched a vaccine ‘Raksha-Blu’ for countering fir the first time the viral blue tongue disease among sheep, goats, camels and cattle. The year 2014 was the hottest on record, with global

average temperature increasing about 0.8 degrees Celsius since 1880, according to US scientists.

India’s Mars Orbiter programme team has won the 2015 Space Pioneer Award from the US based National Space Society (NSS).

DECEMBER 2014

DRDO has successfully tested Panchi, wheeled version of the unmanned aerial vehicle Nishant. It can take off from and land on small airstrips.

Nuclear-capable strategic ballistic missile Agni-IV, with a strike range of 4,000 km, test fired successfully from a test range off the Odisha coast.

For the first time, India exported a war ship to a foreign country. The ship is CGS Barracuda offshore patrol vessel, purchased by Mauritius.

India has tested a 1,000 kg indigenously-developed glide bomb, which successfully hit a target 100 kms away, off the Odisha coast.

The indigenous nuclear-powered submarine, INS Arihant, for the first time sailed out for sea-trials on Dec 16, from its base at Visakhapatnam.

INS Circars, the oldest naval establishment on the Eastern seaboard in Visakhapatnam celebrated its Platinum Jubilee on Dec 12.

Sikorsky of the United States has been selected for supply of 16 multirole helicopters for the Indian Navy in a contract worth Rs. 6,000 crore.

Russia successfully test fired its Angara-A5 rocket from Plesetsk in northern Russia on 23 December.

NATO forces formally ended their role in Afghanistan, after 13 years of conflict that left the country in the grip of worsening insurgent violence.

ISRO LAUNCHES GSAT 16 India’s communication satellite GSAT 16 was launched successfully from Kourou in French Guiana on Dec. 7. The satellite was placed in the geostationary orbit of about 36000 kms. It has 48 transponders that will be used for television, telephone and internet applications.


GSLV MARK III LAUNCHED SUCCESSFULLY On Dec 18, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched from Sriharikota its heaviest rocket till date - the 630-tonne three-stage rocket GSLV Mark III which is capable of carrying satellites weighing up to four tonne. It carried CARE (Crew module Atmospheric Re-entry Experiment) as its payload which is an Indian-made unmanned crew module. This marks the beginning of what could be India's initiation into the ambitious human space flight programme. INDIA PARTY TO WORLDs LARGEST TELESCOPE India has joined the elite group of countries including United States, China and Japan to build the largest telescope in the world. The next-generation 30-meter telescope, which is being built at Mount Mauna Kea on an island in Hawaii at a height of 4,050 meter, is expected to give a major boost to the field of astrophysics and understanding different facets of the Universe. STEEP RISE IN CARBON EMISSIONS Global carbon-dioxide emissions from burning of fossil fuels and production of cement reached a high of 35.3 billion tonnes in 2013. China, the United States and the European Union remain the top three emitters of carbon dioxide, accounting for 29, 15 and 11 per cent, respectively, of the world’s total. KEPLER DISCOVERS ‘SUPER EARTH’ NASA’s planet-hunting spacecraft – Kepler has discovered a ‘super-Earth’ located 180 light-years from Earth - HIP 116454b, which is 2.5 times the diameter of Earth and follows a close, nine-day orbit around a star that is smaller and cooler than our Sun, making the planet too hot for life as we know it. CURIOSITY DISCOVERS METHANE ON MARS Nasa's Curiosity rover has detected methane on Mars, a gas that could hint at past or present life on the planet. Presence of Methane on the Red Planet is bit strange because here on Earth, 95 per cent of the gas comes from microbial organisms. JAPAN LAUNCHES ASTEROID EXPLORER

On Dec 03, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) launched its second-generation asteroid explorer Hayabusa 2 from Tanegashima Space Center. It will explore one of the C-type asteroids called 1999 JU3 in space, retrieve materials and bring them to Earth.

NASA LAUNCHES RETURNABLE SPACECRAFT On December 5, NASA launched Orion spacecraft atop a Delta IV Heavy rocket from Cape Canaveral for a four-hour test flight, after which it safely splashed down in to Pacific Ocean. Orion will serve as the exploration vehicle that will carry the crew to space, may be as far as Mars, provide emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during the space travel, and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. WORLD’s MOST ABUNDANT MINERAL FOUND American geologists have named the earth’s most abundant mineral as ‘Bridgmanite’. It makes up about 70 percent of the earth’s lower mantle and 38 percent of the total volume of the earth. It is made up of high-density magnesium iron silicate. The lower mantle, which starts at 670 km under the crust, is difficult to access for samples.

The International Ocean Discovery Program has analysed life in the deepest ever marine drilling expedition- microbes living 2,400 meters beneath the seabed off the Japanese coast.

International journal Science has declared the European space mission spacecraft Rosetta as most important scientific Breakthrough of the Year 2014.

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INTERNATIONAL

FEBRUARY 2015 REBELS TAKE OVER THE CONTROL OF YEMEN In Yemen, Shiite Houthi rebels dissolved the Parliament and took over the reins of the impoverished nation. They set up a five member Presidential council to run the affairs of the country. The President, Prime Minister and Cabinet had already quit in January 2014. CHINA TOPS IN ATTRACTING FDI China has overtaken the United States as the top destination for foreign direct investment for the first time since 2003. According to the United Nations Conference of Trade and Development - UNCTAD, foreign firms invested 128 billion dollars in China and 86 billion in the US last year. Indonesia and India have been ranked at 3rd and 4th place respectively. BRITAIN ALLOWS THREE PARENT BABIES Britain has become the first country to allow a "three-parent" IVF (in vitro fertilization) technique which doctors say will prevent some inherited incurable diseases. However, critics see it as a step towards creating designer babies. APPLE NO. 1 IN TERMS OF MARKET CAP Apple Inc has set a world record on Wall Street, New York becoming the first US company to be worth more than $700 billion in terms of market capitalization based on the price of its share @ 122.02/share at the close of trading on Feb 10. WINTER STORMS DISRUPT LIFE IN USA In the United States, more than 3,000 flights were cancelled as winter storms dumped snow, sleet and freezing rain across the northeastern region of United States. The worst affected airports were Chicago O'Hare International, Newark in New Jersey, New York's La Guardia and Boston Logan International. The Nepal has started a massive cleanliness

campaign in 33 municipalities of the country in order to promote environment-friendly governance in local bodies.

Summit of G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors held in Istanbul, Turkey on 9-10 Feb. 2015

The leaders of Germany, France, Russia and Ukraine met in Minsk, capital of Belarus to find solution to end fighting in eastern Ukraine

Musicians from around the world will gather this April in Paris to celebrate the International Jazz Day which is observed on April 30.

JANUARY 2015 MILITANTS ATTACK FRENCH OFFICE: KILL 12 Three alleged ISIS militants shot dead at least 12 persons, including two police officers on Jan 7 at the Paris offices of the satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo, for publishing cartoons lampooning Muslim leaders and the Prophet Mohammad. The attackers included two brothers — Cherif Kouachi (32) and Said Kouachi (34) who were later killed an encounter. Millions of people around the world expressed their solidarity with the slain French journalists by using the hash tag #Je Suis Charlie which means I am Charlie.

U.N CALLS FOR CEASEFIRE IN YEMEN UN Security Council has called for lasting ceasefire and dialogue to end the political and security crisis in Yemen. Recently, the Houthi rebels seized the Presidential palace in the capital Sanaa. They are opposed to Yemen’s division in six regions and want that the country should be divided into only two regions. President Mansour Hadi, Prime Minister Khaled Bahah and his cabinet resigned as the President agreed to the demands of the rebels. WEF MEET HELD AT DAVOS The World Economic Forum's five-day annual jamboree of the global elite started on Jan 20 at Davos, Switzerland. More than 2,500 political and business leaders, including Union Ministers Arun Jaitley, Piyush Goyal and more than 100 industry leaders from India attended the summit. 1% OWN MORE THAN REST OF THE WORLD A study by Oxfam shows that the wealthiest 1% will soon own more than the rest of the world's population by 2016. Currently, 85 billionaires have the same wealth as the bottom half of the world’s population. DEADLIEST EVER MASSACRE BY BOKO HARAM Boko Haram, extremists opposed to western-style education and secular governance in Nigeria, carried out a multi-day attack in the northeast of Nigeria, focusing on the town of Baga, killing over 2,000 persons and compelling several thousand more to flee from their houses. The militants razed an estimated 16 towns around Baga.


EL CAPITAN ROCK CONQUERED IN USA Two Americans - Kevin Jorgerson and Tommy Cladwell have become first persons to conquer the 914 meters high, almost vertical granite rock - El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, California, USA, with only harnesses and ropes to stop them falling. They reached the top on Jan 15, in about 20 days and slept in tents suspended from the mountain face. BRITAIN LAUNCHES ‘GREAT COLLABORATIONS’ Encouraged by the India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, the United Kingdom announced 'Great Collaborations’ - a campaign to forge collaborations with Indian companies. The campaign aims to cover areas that benefit both the countries across a range of sectors such as energy, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, financial service and infrastructure. WORLD’S LARGEST LED LIGHTING A dazzling show of New Year’s Eve gala using 70,000 LED bulbs around the world’s tallest building Burj Khalifa in Dubai broke the Guinness World Record of the ‘Largest LED-Illuminated Facade’. The illumination around Burj Khalifa spanned 32,467 square metres. DUBAI MAKES A 5.5 KM, 256 KG GOLD CHAIN Dubai has set yet another Guinness World Record with the world’s longest hand-made 22 carat gold chain measuring 5.522 kilometres, weighing 256 kg. Named The Dubai Celebration Chain, it has been made to mark the 20th anniversary of the Dubai Shopping Festival AirlineRatings.com, safety and product rating

website, has announced Quantas, the national airline of Australia as the safest airline for 2015, from the 449 airlines.

Australia has launched an Online Visa Pilot Programme to make it easier for Indian business and tourism visitors to apply online visa for travelling Australia.

The biggest cultural festival of the Mahayana sect of Buddhism in Nepal - Tamu Lhochhar, observed to mark the New Year, celebrated in Kathmandu.

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, who will be 89 in April this year, is now the world's oldest monarch following the death of King Abdullah (90) of Saudi Arabia.

Lithuania becomes 19th country to adopt Euro as its currency wef Jan 1, 2015.

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DECEMBER 2014 US SIGNS ARMS TRADE TREATY A treaty laying down international rules for the $85 billion global arms trade came into force from Dec 24, after being signed by the USA - world's largest arms producer and exporter. The treaty aims at cutting off weapons supplies to human rights violators worldwide. USA BREAKS ICE WITH CUBA In a historic decision, USA has announced a series of steps aimed at normalising relations with communist-ruled Cuba with which it had severed diplomatic ties decades ago. The steps being taken include instructions to re-establish the US Embassy in Cuba’s capital Havana, relaxing of trade & travel restrictions; review of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism. TALIBAN COMMIT GRUESOME MASSACRE At least 132 students and nine staff members were killed on Dec 16 after Tehrik-e-Taliban gunmen broke into a school in the Pakistani city of Peshawar and opened fire in the bloodiest massacre the country has seen for years. END OF ‘OCCUPY CENTRAL’ DEMONSTRATIONS

Hong Kong police forcefully ended the more than two month old street demonstration - Occupy Central. For over two months, thousands of protesters had been demanding open nominations in the next election for chief executive in 2017. RUSSIA SUFFERS ECONOMIC SET BACK Russia's economy is in deep trouble. Crippled by sanctions and stung by slumping oil prices, the nation's currency has lost half its value against the US dollar since June. Because of the volatility of the rouble, many foreign businesses are finding it impossible to operate in Russia. WEB INDEX PUTS INDIA BEHIND CHINA India ranks behind China and other BRICS nations in a comprehensive index aimed at measuring the Internet’s contribution to social, economic and political progress. Though China is notorious for its great Internet firewall, the nation is far ahead of India when it comes to translating the power of the Internet into economic potential, says the Web Index released by the World Wide Web Foundation


WORLD ECONOMY SET TO GROW BY 3.1% According to the World Economic Situation and Prospects 2015 report by UNO, the global economy will grow by more than 3 percent in 2015 and 2016. However the growth will be uneven in some regions. The UN is forecasting 3.1 percent economic growth in 2015 and 3.3% growth in 2016. TIME ‘PERSON OF THE YEAR’–EBOLA FIGHTERS The countless doctors, nurses and caregivers at the forefront of battling one of the worst ever outbreaks of the deadly Ebola virus, have been collectively named as Time magazine's 2014 'Person of the Year'. World Health Organi-sation has said that of over 18000 reported cases of Ebola since December, 2013, nearly 6,400 people have died by Dec 10 with Siera Leone being worst hit country. 2014 WORST YEAR FOR CHILDREN

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has said that 2014 has been “devastating” for some 15 million children caught up in violent conflicts around the world in places like the Central African Republic, Iraq, South Sudan, Syria, Ukraine and occupied Palestine. UNFCCC MEET HELD AT LIMA The world’s nations gathered in Lima, capital of Peru on Dec 1 for the 12-day ‘ Lima Climate Change Conference’ under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to push for a deal to roll back carbon emissions threatening future generations. On Dec 14, negotiators adopted a compromise draft for national pledges to cut global carbon emissions, to be adopted at December 2015 convention in Paris. The deal — dubbed the Lima Call for Climate Action — paves the way for what is envisioned as the historic agreement in environmental history. This is the 20th session of the Conference of the Parties and the 10th session of the Conference of the Parties serving as the Meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol

World AIDS Day observed on December 01. The theme for this year is, 'Focus, Partner, Achieve: An AIDS-free Generation'. HIV: Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection

AIDS: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; (advanced stage of HIV infection)

Singapore launched a new National Day song in Tamil to celebrate its 50 years of independence. Tamil is 4th official language of Singapore.

United Nations General Assembly on 5 December 2014 declared 2015 as the International Year of Soils

Bhutan became 181st member of Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency– a branch of the World Bank Group.

An Airbus A320-200 of Air Asia flight QZ8501 with 162 persons aboard disappeared on Dec 28 on way from Surabaya, Indonesia to Singapore.

Ukraine has decided to join North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), signalling its movement away from Russia, towards western powers.

Latvia will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of 2015. The Presidency changes every six months.

An Italian Ship - Norman Atlantic, carrying 478 passengers caught fire in mid sea, near Italian port Ancona. Rescue teams could save 471passengers.

Malaysia’s worst flooding in decades forced some 1,18,000 people to flee to safer places. Kelantan, in north east Malaysia, was worst-affected area.

A 444.5-kg British man, believed to be the fattest in the world, has died from pneumonia following a lengthy battle with his weight.

PERSONS IN NEWS

FEBRUARY 2015

AMARTYA SEN: 81 year old Nobel laureate economist was in news as he resigned as the Chancellor of Nalanda University, alleging political interference in the affairs of the University. DEEPIKA MISRA: Squadron Leader of Indian Air Force became the first and the only woman pilot to make it to the Sarang helicopter acrobatic display team of the Indian Air Force. The Sarang team performs at leading air shows across the world. SUMITRA MAHAJAN: Lok Sabha Speaker’s name was included in the LIMCA book of records for being the only woman of the country to represent the same Lok Sabha constituency on the same party ticket for eight times in a row. SALONI DALAL: A 12 year old school girl from Karnataka became the youngest medal winner in the 35th National Games in Kerala by winning a Bronze medal in the 200 meter breast stroke swimming event.


RICKY KEJ: Bengaluru-based musician was in news as his collaborative album 'Winds of Samsara' with African flautist Wouter Kellerman won the ‘Best New Age Album’ award at the 57th Grammy Awards announced in Los Angeles, USA

NEELA VASWANI: won the Grammy in the Best Children's Album category for rendering audio version of the book 'I Am Malala: How One Girl Stood Up For Education and Changed the World’ by Malala Yousafzai.

AJAY BANGA: President and Chief Executive Officer of MasterCard and the Chairman of the US India Business Council, has been appointed as a member of the Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations by the US government.

ANGELINA JOLIE: Cine actress -director of America has been named the most admired woman in the world in a survey by the British website dailymail.co.uk., leaving behind Malala Yousafzai, Hillary Clinton, Queen Elizabeth II, Michelle Obama and Sonia Gandhi.

JANUARY 2015

POOJA THAKUR: A Wing Commander from Indian Air Force became the first woman to lead the ceremonial tri-service guard of honour inspected by U.S. President Barack Obama at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Jan. 25, 2015.

VIKRAM CHANDRA: Indian origin Novelist was named among the finalists for prestigious National Book Critics Circle (NBCC) Awards of USA for his non-fiction work Geek Sublime: The Beauty of Code, the Code of Beauty.

MS. LEELA SAMSON: She resigned as Chairperson of Central Board of Film Certification, CBFC to protest the clearance of the controversial film Messenger of God by the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal (FCAT).

BHAKTI SHARMA: India's 24 year old open water swimmer has set a world record by swimming 2.25 kms in 52 minutes in one degree temperature in the Antarctic Ocean. She is the first Asian girl and youngest in the world to have achieved this feat.

AVINASH CHANDER: Secretary, Defence Research and Development cum Director General, DRDO and Scientific Advisor to the Defence Minister was in news as he was removed 15 months before his contract was to end.

NARENDRA MODI, REKHA: Our Prime Minister and veteran Bollywood actress, both were crowned ‘hottest vegetarian celebrities’ by animal rights organisation PETA India for making plant-based foods more popular than ever in 2014.

YINGLUCK SHINAWATRA: Former Premier of Thailand was impeached on Jan 23 for corruption charges. Country’s first woman Premier and the sister of former leader Thaksin Shinawatra, suffers an automatic five-year ban from politics.

DECEMBER 2014

DR. K. RADHAKRISHNAN: Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has been selected as one of the top ten scientists in 2014 chosen by the prestigious science journal of UK-Nature.

PRIME MINISTER MODI: has been rated as the world’s top policy maker, according to a new report of Harvard’s prestigious Kennedy School of Government.

PAWAN CHAMLING: Sikkim Chief Minister, on 12 December 2014 became longest serving Chief Minister of India as he completed his 20 years in the office. The record for longest tenure as Chief Minister is held by Jyoti Basu, CM of West Bengal for 23 years, 4 months.

TASHI MALIK AND NUNGSHI MALIK: The twin sisters from Dehradun scaled Mount Vinson, Antarctica’s highest mountain at 4,892 metres to become the world’s first twins and siblings to climb the highest peaks on the seven continents.

SARITA DEVI: The International Boxing Association (AIBA) banned Indian boxer for one year for refusing to accept the Asian Games bronze medal.

VIVEK MURTHY: The 37 year old Indian origin doctor has been confirmed as the youngest ever Surgeon General of the United States

MAHINDA RAJAPAKSA: Sri Lanka President visited India to offer prayers at the famous hill temple of Lord Venkateswara in Andhra Pradesh


A P P O I N T M E N T S

FEBRUARY 2015 L C GOYAL: New Union Home Secretary

SHEKHAR SEN: Chairman, Sangeet Natak Akademi; a renowned music composer and actor

KRISHNA CHAUDHARY: Director General, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).

KSHATRAPATI SHIVAJI: New CMD of SIDBI

AJIT KUMAR: Ambassador and Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations Offices in Geneva

NITISH KUMAR: Chief Minister of Bihar, 4th time

ARVIND KEJRIWAL: Chief Minister of Delhi

MOHAMMAD SAYEED MUFTI: Chief Minister of J & K

KOLINDA GRABAR-KITAROVIC: First female President of Croatia

Ms. ZOE KONSTANTOPOULOU: New President of Greece, from the left wing party Syriza.

SERGIO MATTARELLA: Italy’s new President

JANUARY 2015 APPOINTMENTS IN NITI AAYOG The following appointments have been made by the Prime Minister to the various positions in the Aayog Chairman: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Vice-Chairman: Arvind Panagariya (Economist) CEO: Sindhushree Khullar

Full Time Members: Bibek Debroy, Economist Dr. V.K. Saraswat, Former Secretary Defence R&D

Ex-officio members: Rajnath Singh, Union Minister Arun Jaitley, Union Minister Suresh Prabhu, Union Minister Radha Mohan Singh, Union Minister

Special Invitees: Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister Thawar Chand Gehlot, Union Minister Smt. Smriti Irani, Union Minister

PAHLAJ NIHALANI: Chairman, Central Board of Film Certification, CBFC. He is a noted film producer from Mumbai.

A S KIRAN KUMAR: Chairman of Indian Space Research Organisation- ISRO and Secretary of the Department of Space, Govt of India

AZIZ QURESHI: Governor of Mizoram (transferred from Uttarakhand).

K K PAUL: Governor of Uttarakhand (shifted from Meghalaya), with additional charge of Manipur

K N TRIPATHI: Governor of West Bengal will take additional charge as the Governor of Meghalaya

KALYAN SINGH: Governor of Himachal Pradesh (Additional Charge); He is Governor of Rajasthan

KAPTAN SINGH SOLANKI: Governor of Punjab (Additional Charge); He is Governor of Haryana

S. JAISHANKAR: Union Foreign Secretary

MALINI PARTHASARATHY: veteran journalist appointed the Editor of The Hindu, the first woman editor of the century-old newspaper

H S BRAHMA: Chief Election Commissioner

ATUL KHARE: Under-Secretary-General, Department of Field Support (DFS) in UNO

R KOTEESWARAN: MD & CEO, Indian Overseas Bank

ANIMESH CHAUHAN: MD & CEO, Oriental Bank of Commerce

KISHORE KUMAR SANSI: MD & CEO, Vijaya Bank

P SRINIVAS: MD & CEO, United Bank of India

LEE WAN KOO: New Prime Minister of South Korea

SALMAN BIN ABDULAZIZ AL SAUD: New king of Saudi Arabia ALEXIS TSIPRAS: Prime Minister of Greece, from the anti-austerity Syriza party KOLINDA GRABAR-KITAROVIC: First women President of Croatia

MAITHRIPALA SIRISENA: 6th President of Sri Lanka, from Sri Lanka Freedom Party - SLFP

MODIBO KEITA: Prime Minister of Mali, a West African country

DECEMBER 2014 RAGHUBAR DAS (BJP): New Chief Minister of Jharkhand

JYOTSNA SURI: President of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI).

RAJINDER KHANNA: Chief of Research & Analysis Wing (R&AW),


PRAKASH MISHRA: Director General of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).

DINESHWAR SHARMA: Director, Intelligence Bureau

ANIL Kr. SINHA: Director, Central Bureau of Investigation

KLAUS IOHANNIS: President of Romania

BEJI CAID ESSEBSI: President of Tunisia

ANEROOD JUGNAUTH: Prime Minister of Mauritius

TABARE VAZQUEZ: President of Uruguay

SHINZO ABE: Re elected as Prime Minister of Japan

ASHTON CARTER: US Defence Secretary

AWARDS & HONOURS

FEBRUARY 2015

60th FILMFARE AWARDS ANNOUNCED

Best film: Queen by Vikas Bahl Best Director: Vikas Bahl for Queen Best Actress: Kangana Ranaut for Queen Best Actor: Shahid Kapoor for Haider THE 87th ACADEMY AWARDS, popularly known as ‘Oscars” were presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on February 22, 2015, at Hollywood, Los Angeles, USA. Best Picture: Birdman by Alejandro G Inarritu Best Director: Alejandro G Inarritu for Birdman Best Actress: Julianne Moore for Still Alice Best Actor: Eddie Redmayne for The Theory of Everything

GRAMMY AWARDS Announced on Feb 8 at Los Angeles, California, USA Some major winners are as under:

Record of the Year - "Stay with Me," Sam Smith Song of the Year - "Stay with Me" (Darkchild

Version) Album of the Year - Morning Phase, Beck Best R&B Performance - "Drunk in Love,"

Beyoncé Best Rock Album - Morning Phase, Beck Best Pop Vocal Album - In the Lonely Hour,

Sam Smith Best Pop Solo Performance - "Happy,"

Pharrell Williams Best Rap Album - The Marshall Mathers LP2,

Eminem

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BAFTA

(British Academy of Film and Television Arts) Awards announced on Feb 8 at London.

BEST FILM: Boyhood by Richard Linklater

BEST DIRECTOR: Richard Linklater, Boyhood

BEST ACTOR: Eddie Redmayne, The Theory of Everything

BEST ACTRESS: Julianne Moore, Still Alice 50th JNANPITH AWARD - 2014: Bhalchandra Nemade, Marathi novelist, known for his famous novels – Kosala, Hindu. STHREE SHAKTI AWARD: conferred upon Irom Sharmila, Human rights activist from Manipur who has been on an indefinite fast since November 4, 2000, demanding the repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958. BEST MARCHING CONTINGENTS Trophy for Republic Day Parade 2015 won jointly by the Brigade of The Guards and the Sikh Regiment awarded jointly the AMARTYA SEN: Eminent Indian economist and Nobel laureate has been named as the first winner of a newly established Charleston-EFG John Maynard Keynes Prize in the UK, in recognition of his work on welfare economics.

JANUARY 2015 PADMA AWARDS 2015 ANNOUNCED Padma Awards, namely, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri are given by Govt. of India for exceptional and distinguished service in any field excluding service rendered by Government servants. They are announced every year on the eve of Republic Day, i.e. 25th January. Maximum number does not exceed 120, excluding award for foreigners and posthumous awards. They do not carry any cash award. PADMA VIBHUSHAN – 2015 (9)

S. No.

Name of the Awardee

Discipline State/Domicile

1. Lal Krishna Advani Public Affairs – Politician

Gujarat

2. Amitabh Bachchan Art - Cinema Maharashtra

3. Prakash Singh Badal

Public Affairs Punjab

4. Dr. D V Heggade Social Work Karnataka

5. Dilip Kumar Art - Cinema Maharashtra

6. Jagadguru Ramanandacharya

Swami Rambhadracharya

Others - Hindu Scholar

Uttar Pradesh

7. M. R. Srinivasan Science and Engineering -

Nuclear Scientist

Tamil Nadu

8. K. K. Venugopal Public Affairs - Constitutional

Lawyer

Delhi

9. Karim Al Hussaini Aga Khan

Trade and Industry France/UK

PADMA BHUSHAN 2015 (19) S.

No Name of the

Awardee Discipline State/

Domicile 1. Shri Jahnu Barua Art – Films Assam 2. Dr. Subhash C.

Kashyap Public Affairs - Constitutional

Expert

Delhi

3. Harish Salve Public Affairs – Advocate

Delhi

4. Rajat Sharma Media (India TV) Delhi 5. Manjul Bhargava

(NRI/PIO) Science & Engg, Mathematician

USA

6. Bill Gates Social Work USA 7. Melinda Gates Social Work USA

PADMA SHRI – 2015 (75)

S. No.

Name of the Awardee

Discipline State/Domicile

1. Mithali Raj Sports – Cricket Telengana

2. P.V. Sindhu Sports – Badminton

Telengana

3. Sanjay Leela Bhansali Art – Films Maharashtra

4. Prasoon Joshi Art – Films Maharashtra

5. Tarak Mehta Art – TV Gujarat

6. Jean-Claude Carriere Literature and Education

France

7. Late Pran Kumar Sharma alias Pran

Art – Cartoonist Delhi

ASHOK CHAKRA: The highest peacetime military honour awardaed posthumously to Major Mukund Varadarajan and Naik Neeraj Kumar Singh, the two Army personnel who laid down their lives combating militants in Kashmir Valley. DSC Prize for Literature: The $50,000 prize won by Indian-American author Jhumpa Lahiri for her book, The Lowland at the Jaipur Literature Festival Khushwant Singh Memorial Prize for poetry won by Arunadhathi Subramaniam for her work When God is a Traveller, at the Jaipur Literature Festival


SOCIAL MEDIA PERSON of the Year Award 2015: Amitabh Bachchan, conferred by the Internet and Mobile Association of India "GOVERNOR OF THE YEAR": Raghuram Rajan, Governor, RBI was selected by the British magazine ‘Central Banking’ for this award at the global level. ‘AWARD FOR THE BEST BANK’: bagged by the Canara Bank at the "MSME Banking Excellence Awards-2014" at Bengaluru. 72ND GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS 2015 Announced at Beverly Hills, California, USA Best Motion Picture-Drama: Boyhood Best Director: Richard Linklater, Boyhood Best Actor: Eddie Redmayne, The Theory of Everything Best Actress: Julianne Moore, Still Alice MISS UNIVERSE 2015: Paulina Vega of Columbia at Miami, USA. Martin Luther King Jr. Award: Frank Islam, an eminent Indian-American entrepreneur and philanthropist for his contribution to the promotion of the civil rights in USA. Giraffe Hero Award 2015: Renowned Indian RTI activist Subhash Chandra Aggarwal was conferred with the by a US-based NGO The Giraffe Heroes Project. FIFA Ballon d'Or Award- 2014: Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal, earning the title of world's best football player for the third time.

DECEMBER 2014 THE GOLDEN PEACOCK: Award for the best film at the 45th International Film Festival of India, Goa won by the Russian film ‘Leviathan’ directed by Andrey Zvyagintsev. The award carries a cash prize of 40 lakh Wong Kar Wai: The Chinese filmmaker was conferred the lifetime achievement award at IFFI. Swiss Ambassador's Award: Azim Premji, Chairman of Wipro for inspirational and socially responsible leadership.

Niryat Shree and Niryat Bandhu Awards for 2010-11 given at Delhi for outstanding performance in exports. Canara Bank won the Niryat Bandhu Silver Trophy, Banks Yash Chopra Memorial Award: Amitabh Bachchan Miss Universal Peace & Humanity 2014: Ruhi Singh of India at Beirut, Lebanon.

Miss Intercontinental 2014: Wang Patraporn, from Thailand at Magdeburg, Germany. Miss World 2014: Rolene Strauss, from South Africa at London Olof Palme Human Rights Prize: Xu Youyu, Chinese pro-democracy activist. It is an annual prize worth USD 75,000 granted by the Swedish labour movement. Confucius Peace Prize: Fidel Castro, Former Cuban leader. It is known as China's version of the Nobel Prize. Queen’s Gold Medal for Poetry 2014: Noted Pakistan-born poetess Imtiaz Dharker for her poetry collection ‘Over the Moon’. This award is given by British Queen. Turner Prize: Duncan Campbell, film artist from UK for a video that reflects on African art. It is a popular UK prize for art work.

BOOKS & AUTHORS

FEBRUARY 2015

Editor Unplugged: Media, Magnates, Netas and Me by Vinod Mehta

The Ever After of Ashwin Rao Padma Viswanathan

The Bookman’s Tale by Charlie Lovett Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee, author of world famous novel “To Kill a Mockingbird”

Recasting India: How Entrepreneurship is Revolutionizing the World’s Largest Democracy by Hindol Sengupta

JANUARY 2015 'Neither a Hawk nor a Dove' by Khurshid M Kasuri, Pakistan's Ex-Foreign Minister The Red Sari by Javier Moro; the book is the story of Sonia Gandhi, originally written in Spanish. The Indian Parliament – A Critical Appraisal: Sudha Pai and Avinash Kumar The Fault in Our Stars by John Green At Home in India: The Muslim Saga by Salman Khurshid The Tunnel of Time by R. K. Laxman (autobiography)


DECEMBER 2014 Vande Bharatam by Pandit Prabodh Kumar Mishra.

How Modi Won It by Harish Khare

The Last Illusion by Porochista Khakpour

Adultery by Paulo Coelho

Life is What You Make it by Preeti Shenoy

In God’s Hands by Desmond Tutu Templeton prize winner

Family Life by Akhil Sharma, the book has been selected by The New York Times Book Review as one of the ten Best Books of 2014.

Born Again on the Mountain by Arunima Sinha, the first Indian female amputee to climb Mount Everest.

2014: The Election That Changed India by Rajdeep Sardesai

Next China-India War - World's First Water War – 2029 by Gen. Sundarajan Padmanabhan, former Indian Army Chief

OBITUARY

FEBRUARY 2015 D. RAMANAIDU: Veteran film producer from Andhra Pradesh, Padma Bhushan and Dada Saheb Phalke Award winner, holder of the Guinness Book of World

Records for the most films produced by an individual, having produced more than 150 films in 13 Indian languages. R.R. PATIL: Former Maharashtra Home Minister and senior Nationalist Congress Party leader (16th Feb 2015) RAJINDER PURI: Popular cartoonist, veteran columnist and political activist (16th Feb 2015). GAUR HARI SINGHANIA: Chairman, J K Group of Industries that includes JK Tyres, JK Cements. CHARLES H. TOWNES: American noble prize winner scientist, inventor of laser –‘Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation’.

JANUARY 2015

R K LAXMAN: Full name Rasipuram Krishnaswamy Iyer Laxman, legendary cartoonist, creator of the iconic "The Common Man" published regularly for several years in The Times of India, Padma Vibhushan awardee, died at the age of 94 years.

He was also honoured with the Magsaysay Award. Capturing the entire gamut of idiosyncrasies of Indian politicians in an innocuous newspaper box with his cartoons, he immortalised the passive, hapless common man with an uncanny perception and sarcasm in a daily commentary on his life that brought smiles to millions for over five decades.

He wrote his autobiography titled ‘The Tunnel of Time’.

B G VERGHESE: Eminent journalist, a Ramon Magsaysay award winner and former editor of the Hindustan Times and The Indian Express.

RAJNI KOTHARI: Noted political scientist, founder of The Centre for the Study of Developing Societies

JASWANT SINGH RAJPUT: Two-time gold medal winning hockey Olympian

SUBASH GHISING: Former chief of Gorkha National Liberation Front, who gave birth to the Gorkhaland movement

SAIYID HAMID: Noted Muslim academician, educationist, reformist and author. He was Chancellor of Jamia Hamdard University, ex-Chancellor Jamia Millia Islamia and former Vice Chancellor Aligarh Muslim University

ABDULLAH BIN ABDULAZIZ: King of Saudi Arabia

DECEMBER 2014 K. BALACHANDER: Eminent South Indian filmmaker and Dadasaheb Phalke Award winner from Chennai. He wrote, directed and produced more than 100 films in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Hindi. He was the man behind the success of superstars Rajnikanth and Kamal Hassan. V.R. KRISHNA IYER: Legendary jurist, a Supreme Court judge, and post-retirement, a human rights activist, known for his landmark judgments and for the environmental struggles. DEVEN VERMA: Bollywood comedy actor, winner of Filmfare Best Comedian Award for his roles in films Chori Mera Kaam, Chor Ke Ghar Chor and Angoor. A R ANTULAY: Former Chief Minister of Maharashtra and former Union Minister, veteran Congress leader


CHUNIBHAI VAIDYA: A veteran Gandhian and freedom fighter from Ahmadabad, Gujarat.

JARBOM GAMLIN: Former C M of Arunachal Pradesh

JOE COCKER: Legendary rock singer from Colorado, USA

DAVID JOHN RYALL: Veteran British actor

PLACES IN NEWS

FEBRUARY 2015 MELBOURNE & CHRISTCHURCH: Cities in Australia and New Zealand, respectively were in news as they were host to the cricket extravaganza ICC World Cup.

JANUARY 2015 PERIYAR TIGER RESERVE: Sanctuary in Kerala won the National Tiger Conservation Authority award for encouraging local public participation in managing the reserve.

MALIHABAD: Area of Lucknow was in news as around 50 lives were lost their due to a hooch tragedy that occurred in its nearby villages. Hooch is a type of local liquor, usually of inferior quality.

BAGA: A town in north east Nigeria was in news as the Islamic militant group Boko Haram executed over 2000 persons there and in adjoining villages.

CHENYI SQUARE: Place in Shanghai's Huangpu district was in news as a stampede broke out there during New Year celebrations, killing over 35 persons and injuring some 40 persons.

DECEMBER 2014 CHINTAGUFA, SUKMA: Place was in news as Naxalites killed 14 CRPF personnel, including two officers, and injured an equal number in the second attack on the force in 10 days in the same area in the Naxal hotbed of Sukma district in Chhattisgarh.

TYPHOON HAGUPIT: hit the eastern Philippines creating misery for millions following a barrage of deadly disasters.


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SPORTS WORLD

FEBRUARY 2015 35TH NATIONAL GAMES The 14 day sports extravaganza – The 35th National Games that started on 31st January, came to an end on 14th Feb. at Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. In all, sportspersons competed for the 1334 medals

comprising of 405 Gold, 406 Silver and 523 Bronze medals.

Services created a record by topping the medal tally for the third consecutive time. The group won 159 medals that included 91 golds. They won the Raja Bhalendra Singh Trophy for best performance.

Amongst states, Kerala topped the tally with 162 medals, including 54 gold.

National Games mascot Ammu, the Great Hornbill, has been selected for entry in to the Limca Book of Records.

The 36th National Games will be hosted by Goa in 2016.

Anirban Lahiri won his second European Tour title at the Hero Indian Open Golf Championship on Feb 22 in New Delhi. Anil Kumble, former India Captain and ace Leg Spinner has been chosen to be inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame with all times greatest cricketers Hero Hockey India League 2015: Ranchi Rays won the championship by defeating Jaypee Punjab Warriors in the finals played at New Delhi. All India Football Federations (AIFF) has declared Sunil Chhetri and Bala Devi as Player of the Year 2014 in men and women category, respectively. Paul van Ass of Netherland was appointed Head Coach of India’s men’s Hockey team. 67th National track cycling championship held at Thiruvananthapuram A glittering opening ceremony of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 was held on Feb 12 at two places - at Christchurch New Zealand and at Melbourne, Australia. France has become the first team in handball history to win World Handball Championships for the 5th time beating the Qatar at Doha, Qatar. Omega Dubai Desert Classic: World No. 1 Rory McIlroy of UK won the prestigious golf cup.


Simona Halep of Romania won the WTA (Women's Tennis Association) championship in Dubai. Nicol David: World Women’s Squash champion from Malaysia has set a new record for topping the world rankings for the 106th month. AUSTRALIAN OPEN held at Melbourne, Australia

Men’s: Novak Djokovic of Serbia won his 5th Australian Open title beating Andy Murray of Britain

Women’s: Serena Williams of USA beats Maria Sharapova of Russia. It was her 19th Grand Slam title. She is tied for third on a list of the most Grand Slam singles won by women.

Mixed Doubles: Leander Paes of India and Martina Hingis of Switzerland won the title.

JANUARY 2015 AWARD MONEY RAISED FOR SPORTS MEDALS The Sports Ministry revised its ‘Scheme of Special Awards’ to medal winners in international events by increasing the award money in Olympic and Paralympics Games (summer and winter) from Rs 50 lakh to 75 lakh for gold, Rs 30 lakh to 50 lakh for silver and Rs 20 lakh to 30 lakh for bronze. Sania Mirza along with her American partner Bethanie Mattek-Sands won doubles title at the Sydney International Tennis Tournament. Anirban Lahiri, Indian professional golfer voted as the 2014 Players’ Player of the year in Asian Tour. National Billiards Championship: Pankaj Advani won the national title in Kolkata beating Dhruv Sitwala. Arantxa Sanchis won the women’s title. Senior National Snooker Championship: Pankaj Advani won the title defeating Varun Madan at Kolkata. Amee Kamani won the women’s title. Youth National Weightlifting Championship: Jimjang Deru of Arunachal Pradesh created national record by lifting 238 kilograms under the 56 kilograms category in Yamuna Nagar, Haryana. Bengaluru FC won the Federation Cup football title at Margao, Goa, beating Dempo Sports Club 76th Table Tennis National Championship: Petroleum Sports Promotion Board team won both - men's and women's titles at Puducherry. The 79th Senior National Badminton Championship held in Vijayawada from January 29 to February 5.

Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland won the ATP Chennai Open Tennis Singles title beating Aljaz Bedene of Slovenia in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Mahendra Singh Dhoni Indian cricket captain has decided to retire from Test cricket, citing strain of playing all formats. He would prefer to concentrate on ODI and T20 formats. India will host the 2016 Twenty 20 World Cup from 11th of March to 3rd of April 2016. Stephen Constantine appointed head coach of Indian men's football team. O P JAISHA: Indian runner broke the 19-year-old national record of women marathon at the 12th Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon in Mumbai, clocking a time of 2:37:29. Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal has won the FIFA Ballon d'Or award for 2014, earning the title of world's best football player for a third time. Brett Lee: Australian cricketer, rated as third fastest bowler in world, announced his retirement from all forms of cricket after a 20-year career. AB de Villiers, South Africa's cricket captain hit the fastest century in one-day internationals cricket history, 31 balls to 100 against the West Indies in Johannesburg, South Africa. He scored 149 runs off 44 balls. Roger Federer of Switzerland reached the 1,000 ATP Tour wins milestone as he won the Brisbane International title on Jan 11, defeating Canada's Milos Raonic at Brisbane, Australia. He becomes the third man, after Jimmy Connors (1253) and Ivan Lendl (1071), to secure 1,000 ATP wins. ATP: Association of Tennis Professionals Sean Abbott, the Australian bowler has been named Australia's young cricketer of the year, winning the Sir Bradman Award. He is the same bowler whose delivery led to the death of Phillip Hughes.

DECEMBER 2014

Blind Cricket World Cup: India lifted the Cup on Dec 7 after defeating Pakistan in Cape Town, South Africa. P V Sindhu: Won the Macau Grand Prix Gold trophy at Macau, China, beating Kim Hyo Min of Korea Viswanathan Anand won his maiden London Classic title after defeating British Grandmaster Michael Adams


Ankita Raina won ITF singles tennis title defeating British Katy Dunne in Pune, Maharashtra. She is the first Indian to win this title in past 14 years.

M S Dhoni broke the world record for most number of stumpings in international cricket after he claimed his 134th victim – Mitchell Johnson of Australia at Melbourne, Australia.

Baichung Bhutia: Former Indian football captain conferred with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Hall of Fame Award in Manila, Philippines.

Sachin Tendulkar has been named as the brand ambassador for ICC Cricket World Cup 2015.

Arjun Atwal has won the Inaugural edition of Dubai Open Golf Championship.

Pragyan Ojha, The left-arm spinner has been banned by BCCI from bowling in competitive matches as his bowling action was found illegal, flexing elbow beyond 15 degrees.

India beats Turkey to win the World Youth Under-16 Chess Olympiad at Gyor in Hungary.

17th Asian Luge Championships: Shiva Keshavan won Silver Medal at the Spiral Olympic Sliding Centre in Nagano, Japan.

Indian Super League football tournament: Atletico de Kolkata won the championship beating Kerala Blasters.

Champions Trophy: Germany beats Pakistan to win the hockey trophy at Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

Deodhar Trophy: East zone beats West zone to lift cricket trophy in Mumbai.

58th National Shooting Championships held in Pune, Maharashtra

‘VINICIUS’ & ‘TOM’ – MASCOTS FOR RIO OLYMPICS Brazil has declared ‘Vinicius’ as the mascot for the Rio 2016 Olympics to be held at Rio de Janeiro. Vinicius is a yellow feline animal similar to cat and represents Brazil’s rich fauna and wildlife. The mascot for 2016 Paralympics Games is Tom, a blue and green figure with leaves that cover its head and presents country’s diverse and rich flora.

International Tennis Federation (ITF) has declared following as the “Player of the Year 2014” Men’s: Novak Djokovic from Serbia Women’s: Serena Williams from USA

Opening ceremony for the International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cup 2015 shall be held at Melbourne, Australia on Feb 14, 2015.

Hillel Oscar: An international umpire and former captain of Israel's national cricket team died on Nov 30 after being hit in the jaw by a ball at Ashdod, Israel.

ASIAN GAMES INDIAN HIGHLIGHTS

Yogeshwar Dutt ended a 28-year gold drought for India in wrestling after winning Gold

Jitu Rai, shooter won India's 1st gold in the 50m event. MC Mary Kom became the first Indian woman boxer to clinch a gold medal at the Asian Games

India won the Hockey gold medal beating Pakistan

Indian Kabaddi Teams, both men and women, beat Iran’s teams to win the Gold.

Varsha Gautam and Aishwarya Nedunchezhiyan made history by becoming the first Indian women to win a sailing medal – Bronze in Dinghy event at the Asian Games.

Khushbir Kaur won the country’s first-ever silver in the women’s 20 kms race walk in Asiad.

With an aim to increase India`s medal tally in 2016 and 2020 Olympics, the Sports Ministry has decided to start a "Target Olympic Podium Scheme"

The Indian Super League (ISL) heralded a new dawn for football in India on 12 October, at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.

Sharath Gayakwad, the para-swimmer made history at the Asian Para-Games in Incheon, South Korea, by winning six medals.

Anirban Lahiri won the Venetian Macau Open Golf Cup. Pankaj Advani won World Billiards Point Format Championship at Leeds, UK. He also won the World title in time format beating Robin Wilson of UK.

World junior Chess title 2014: Lu Shanglei of China defeated Aleksander Indjic of Serbia to win the title in Pune, Maharashtra.

35th Senior National Archery Championship held in New Delhi, won by Punjab.

Champions League Twenty 20: Chennai Super Kings won the trophy by defeating Kolkata Knight Riders at the M. Chinn aswamy Stadium, Bengaluru.

The multi-sport Paralympic Games 2015 will be held in India in February 2015.

4th Sultan of Johor Cup (hockey) for under 21 won by India beating Great Britain at Johor Bahru, Malaysia.

James Tull: A club cricketer in Australia created history by scoring a triple ton – 341 runs - with 25 sixes and 34 fours

Shanghai Rolex Masters (Tennis) – 2014 won by Roger Federer (Switzerland) beating Gilles Simon (France) in Shanghai, China.


KOHEI UCHIMURA: Japan’s gymnast won his fifth straight all-around world title at the Gymnastics World Championships in Nanning, China.

ATP CHINA OPEN Tennis Cup 2014, Beijing Novak Djokovic (Serbia) beats Tomas Berdych (Czech) to win men’s singles title.

Maria Sharapova (Russia) beats Petra Kvitova(Czech) to win women’s singles title

Serena Williams (USA) beat Simona Halep (Romania) to lift the WTA Finals cup at Singapore. Sania Mirza and Cara Black (Zimbabwe) won the WTA finals women's doubles tennis title at Singapore.

DAYS AND DATES

FEBRUARY World Cancer Day 04th February World Radio Day 13th February Valentine’s Day 14th February Arunachal Pradesh Foundation Day 20th February Central Excise Day 24th February National Science Day 28th February

MARCH World Wildlife Day 03rd March International Women’s Day 08th March No Smoking Day 13th March World Disabled Day 15th March St. Patricks Day 17th March World Sparrow Day 20th March World Poetry Day 21st March World Water Day 22nd March World Meteorological Day 23rd March World Stage Artists Day 27th March World Earth Hour (8:30 pm to 9:30 pm) 29th March Financial Year Ending 31st March

APRIL April Fool’s Day 1st April National Maritime Day 05th April World Health Day 07th April World Heritage Day 18th April Civil Service Day 21st April World Earth Day 22nd April World Books Day 23rd April World Maleria Day 25th April World Intellectual Property Day 26th April

ALL THE NEWS ITEMS IN THIS MAGAZINE HAVE BEEN SOURCED

FROM VARIOUS NEWS PAPERS AND GOVT. PRESS RELEASES


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N A T I O N A L N E W S

NOVEMBER 2014

On Nov 11, P M Modi left India for a ten day foreign visit, starting from Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar where he attended the ASEAN-India Summit on 12th Nov. NOV 13: He attended the 7th East Asian Summit there. NOV 14: Modi reached Brisbane, Australia to attend Heads of Nations meet of G-20 nations on 15th-16th Nov. NOV 17: Modi addressed Indian diaspora at Allphones Arena, Sydney. NOV 18: Modi addressed the Australian Parliament at Canberra, first Indian Prime Minister to do so. NOV 19: Modi reaches Fiji and addressed their Parliament, becoming first foreign dignitary to do so. NOV 20: Mr. Modi flied back to India.

The 18th South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summit held at Kathmandu from 26th Nov to 27th Nov, attended by Sh. Modi.

The 19th SAARC summit will be held in 2016 in Islamabad, Pakistan.

Dmitry Rogozin, Deputy Prime Minister of Russia visited India to attend 20th session of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission at New Delhi.

Three global NGOs - the World Toilet Organisation, WASTE and the Financial Inclusion Improves Sanitation and Health to work to end open defecation in India.

As per the Global Terrorism Index 2014, Iraq continues to be worst affected where 6362 lives were lost in 2013 due to terrorism. India is 6th worst affected nation.

About 40% of the people trapped in modern slavery, over 14.2 million live in India as victims of trafficking-for sexual exploitation and forced marriage / labour.

President Pranab Mukherjee visited Bhutan on a two-day visit - 7-8 Nov. He is the first Indian head of state to visit to the country in 26 years.

6th World Ayurveda Congress held in New Delhi from 6 to 9 November 2014. This year’s theme was “Health Challenges and Ayurveda”.

A latest UN report says that, India has the world’s largest youth population with 356 million 10-24-year-olds, followed by China.

Public Service Broadcasting Day observed on 12th Nov to commemorate Mahatma Gandhi's first and only visit to All India Radio.

Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd (IREDA) and US Export-Import (Exim) Bank signed an MoU for cooperation on clean energy investment.

The 45th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) began in Goa on November 20. China is the focus country of this festival.

Children's Film Society of India organised the first edition of the National Children's Film Festival from 14 to 16 Nov at New Delhi.

The World Economic Forum (WEF) in partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) hosted the India Economic Summit in New Delhi from Nov 4 to 6.

Prasar Bharti announced to re-launch DD National with new tagline “Doordarshan National – Desh Ka Apna Channel.”

India and Bhutan signed an MoU on 7th Nov. for the establishment of Nalanda University in Bihar to develop the institution as an international centre of excellence.

Sushma Swaraj: External Affairs Minister visits Dubai on Nov. 10.

India and Republic of Korea signed a Memorandum of Understanding to facilitate technical cooperation in Railway sector between the two countries.

First Commonwealth Science Congress was held in Bengaluru on 25th November.

OCTOBER 2014

President Pranab Mukherjee became the first ever Indian head of state to visit Norway. He also visited Finland.

Nguyen Tan Dung, Vietnam Prime Minister came on a two-day visit to India.

India ranks 55th on the Global Hunger Index 2014, up from 63rd in 2013, better than Pakistan and Bangladesh that ranked 57.

Commemoration of the historic Komagata Maru incident on 29th September. A set of commemorative coins of denominations of Rs 100 and Rs 5 was released to mark the occasion.

The work order for 'Statue of Unity' — the world's tallest statue (182 mts) of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel has been issued to Larsen and Toubro (L&T).


India has signed the Minamata Convention on Mercury to control and reduce emissions from the power plants.

Union Ministry of Culture launched a year – long birth centenary celebrations of Ghazal and Thumri singer Begum Akhtar (07-10-1914).

Areas around Visakhapatnam on Andhra coast were severely lashed by the super cyclone Hudhud, causing widespread destruction.

The Melbourne Mercer Global Pension Index – 2014 has ranked India’s retirement system lowest among the 25 countries surveyed.

India has performed poorly in removing gender-based disparities, ranking 114 out of 142 countries in World Economic Forum's 2014 Gender Gap Index.

India has been placed at 142nd rank among 189 countries in the latest World Bank’s “Ease of Doing Business” report.

John Baird, Canada's Foreign Minister has said that Canada has agreed to sign commercial contracts for supply of uranium for Indian nuclear reactors.

India signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Culture Cooperation with UK for next five years.

A commemorative postage stamp on Sri Lankan Buddhist revivalist and writer Anagarika Dharmapala was released by the President.

Government decides to commemorate Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s birth anniversary (October 31) as “National Integration Day”- Rashtriya Ekta Diwas.

India and Mexico signed a MoU for cooperation in space and working together in the areas of remote sensing and satellite communication.

India and Nepal have signed a Power Trade Agreement to promote cooperation in the field of production and transmission of electricity.

India Heritage Research Foundation, Rishikesh has released the ‘Encyclopedia of Hinduism’ consisting of 11 volumes and approximately 7000 entries.

India will contribute $4 million in the $5.4 billion aid pool formed by the global donors for rebuilding the Gaza Strip destroyed in the conflict with Israel.

Prime Minister addressed the nation on Oct 3 for the first time over radio in the programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’ to reach out to maximum audience.

SEPTEMBER 2014 PM Modi addressed a historical public gathering at the

USA’s most prestigious venue – Madison Square Garden in New York on 28th September.

Recognising the importance of Modi’s visit to USA, the US Senate announced September 30 as 'US-India Partnership Day'.

Chinese President Xi Jinping visited India and signed 12 pacts to commit investment of $20 billion in India

in the next five years China to help in setting up of a Railway University and

high speed Chennai-Bangalore-Mysore train corridor, of up to 160kmph

China agreed to open a new route to Kailash Mansarovar via Nathu La in Sikkim.

Prime Minister Modi visited Japan and sought support to introduce the Shinkansen, or bullet train, along the Ahmedabad-Mumbai route.

India and Japan have signed a partner city affiliation agreement between Varanasi (Kashi) and Kyoto - ‘city of thousand shrines.’

Supreme Court rules that all under-trial prisoners who have completed more than half of the jail term prescribed for their offences, should be released on bail

President Pranab Mukherjee made a four-day state visit to Vietnam and met his counterpart Truong Tan Sang.

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott came to India and signed a landmark civil nuclear cooperation agreement

President released a set of eight commemorative postage stamps on great Indian musicians

India slipped to 71st position (from 60th in 2013) in an annual global competitiveness list released by the World Economic Forum.

Country's first 'Coral garden' will be set up at Mithapur coastal region of Devbhoomi-Dwarka district in Gujarat.

The ancient Nalanda University (NU), started functioning once again after almost 800 years at its newly established campus at Rajgir, Bihar.

National Nutrition Week observed from 1st to 7th Sep. The theme for this year is ‘Poshak Ahaar, Desh Ka Adhaar’.

India has signed an agreement with Germany for cooperation in the field of skill development, solid waste management and cleaning of rivers.

Liar’s Dice, a Hindi film directed by Geetu Mohandas has been selected as India’s entry for the Oscar Awards in the foreign film category.

India and Bangladesh have reached a decision on ratification of the Land Boundary Agreement (LBA) and to ensure zero border killings.

India and Bangladesh signed a MoU on cooperation in the field of traditional systems of medicine and homeopathy.

Sushma Swaraj, External Affairs Minister visits Afghanistan to meet President & to review key projects.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi turned 64 on 17th

September.

NEWS FROM STATES

NOVEMBER 2014 The Bengaluru has set up a kiosk that lets anyone file

an FIR at any time, irrespective of area of incident. The proposed 302 km long Lucknow - Agra Expressway

in UP would be the country’s longest access controlled six lane expressway

Madhya Pradesh has been chosen for union government’s Best State Award for Empowerment of Disabled for year 2014.

The Karnataka Government aims at construction of 10 lakh toilets by 2018 and make the state completely free from open defecation.


Assam State Zoo in Guwahati has become the first zoo in the world to house the critically endangered pig Pygmy Hog.

Kerala has decided to cull about 2,00,000 poultry birds as a precautionary measure against the H5NI avian influenza virus.

OCTOBER 2014

Kerala Forest Research Institute plans to mark public trees with a "health-card" that will show its strength condition, risk factors and details of damage etc.

Union government plans to set up a mega handicraft cluster in Kachch, Gujarat to promote handcraft items and craft based textiles.

Madhya Pradesh tops iin the field of organic farming producing about five lakh metric ton of farm products, about 40% of the country’s total organic produce.

The Kerala Government will provide free treatment to every cancer patient in the state under the project ‘Sukrutham’ at major government hospitals.

Union Govt launches Jammu Kashmir Arogya Gram Yojna to promote cultivation of scientifically tested and commercially beneficial aromatic and medicinal plants.

SEPTEMBER 2014 Major rivers of J&K, particularly Jhelum, heavily

overflowed, causing widespread devastating floods in the state.

Indian Army launched rescue operation “Operation Megh Rahat” to provide relief to the flood victims.

Madhya Pradesh outpaced all the major states to top the economic growth charts with a scorching 11 per cent growth in 2013-14

‘Swavalamban Abhiyan' - A set of 11 new pro poor initiatives of the Gujarat government aimed at promoting dignity and self-sufficiency of the poor,

Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh has announced that Vijayawada will be the new capital of Andhra Pradesh.

Uttarakhand Government has declared 9 September as Himalaya Diwas to spread the message of conservation of the Himalayan ecosystems.

Lucknow joins the elite club of metro cities to have Metro rail service as the work started on the project on 27th September.

Railway starts conversion of the 201 km long Silchar- Lumding meter-gauge rail route in Barack valley in Assam into broad-gauge.

3rd Ladakh Marathon at Leh in J&K was held on 16th

September. This is world’s highest/toughest marathon held at 3,524 meter (11,562 feet) altitude.

Kerala will host a Global Agro meet and an exhibition on hi-tech agriculture and food processing at Kochi on 6th and 7th of November.

A AMN WITHOUT EDUCATION IS LIKE A BUILDING WITHOUT FOUNDATION

GOVT INITIATIVES

NOVEMBER 2014 National Education Day was observed on Nov 11 on the

125th birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, independent India’s first Education Minister. Unnat Bharat Abhiyaan launched to enable

higher educational institutions like IITs and NITs to work with the people of rural India

‘Know Your College’ portal launched to enable students view details of courses, labs, faculty, library, hostels available etc.

Skill Assessment Matrix for Vocational Advancement of Youth launched to facilitate students to switch between education and jobs.

Saksham Scholarship launched for specially-abled needy and meritorious students pursuing technical education

Pragati scholarship launched for girls pursuing technical education at college level.

Union Ministry of Minorities Affairs launched the Maulana Azad National Academy for Skills (MANAS) to impart training to youth in health and security sector.

Govt has relaxed Indian citizenship norms for Hindu and Sikh refugees from Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Govt. launched National Bal Swachhta Mission in New Delhi on Nov 15 to improve over all cleanliness amongst school children.

Udaan programme launched to assist girl students in preparing them for the IIT-JEE while studying in classes XI and XII.

Govt approves "Integrated Power Development Scheme" for strengthening of sub-transmission and distribution network of electricity in the urban areas.

India has launched the tourist visa on arrival facility enabled by electronic travel authorization for 43 countries for boosting the tourist inflow.

Govt has decided to lay an exclusive submarine cable network for Andaman & Nicobar Islands from Chennai to facilitate high speed internet/browsing in the islands.

The Central Government has allocated five thousand crore rupees under AYUSH Mission for promoting traditional methods of treatment in the country.

The Delhi Transport Corporation has started a Delhi-Kathmandu bus service from Nov. 26.

OCTOBER 2014

Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Shramev Jayate Karyakram launched for creating a conducive environment for industrial development and doing business with ease.

Labour Identification Number to be issued to all industrial units for transparency and accountability in labour inspections

“Shram Suvidha" – a Unified Labour Portal launched to facilitate "Labour Inspection Scheme

Universal Account Number for Employees' Provident Fund members


Apprentice Protsahan Yojana to reimburse 50 per cent of the stipend paid to apprentices

Swachh Bharat Mission launched on October 2 to make India neat and clean by Oct 2, 2019 at an expected cost of Rs 62,000 crore.

Govt to merge the ‘Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan’, a campaign for rural sanitation with Swachh Bharat Mission.

Prime Minister launched Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana on 11th October, on the occasion of birth anniversary of Jai Prakash Narayan.

Every MP to adopt one village by 2016 and two more by 2019.

National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation launched “Swachhta Udyami Yojana to provide financial assistance to Safai Karamcharis

Govt has reintroduced the Varishtha Pension Bima Yojana- a single premium pension policy for senior citizens, for a limited period of one year

Government has launched an Adhaar based Biometric Attendance System (BAS) for government employees. named attendance.gov.in

Universal Health Assurance Mission plans to bring all Indians under health insurance cover

UHAM to provide 50 essential drugs and 30 AYUSH drugs to all citizens at govt. hospitals and health centres.

National Air Quality Index launched to create awareness about the quality of air and its likely health impact.

Union Cabinet has decided to completely deregulate the diesel prices and henceforth the price will be linked to the market.

The government has made it mandatory for tobacco companies to carry health warnings on at least 85% of the surface of cigarette packets

T S R Subramanian committee set up to review the laws related to protection of environment including the Indian Forest Act, 1927

India’s first-ever Offshore Wind Power Project in India to come up along Gujarat coast.

Govt plans to start “Sardar Patel National Housing Mission” to ensure housing for all by 2022 and a ‘slum free India’.

Union Government has decided to sell LED bulbs to households at 10 rupees against the market price of 400 rupees.

From November, 2014 all replies given under RTI by ministries will be posted online, available for access to all and not just to persons seeking the information.

Central govt has advised all states, union territories and Central Armed Police Forces to recruit 33 per cent women in their ranks.

T.K. Vishwanathan Committee setup to review Bankruptcy laws.

INTELLIGENCE PLUS CHARACTER THAT IS THE GOAL OF TRUE EDUCATION

SEPTEMBER 2014 “Make in India” campaign launched to make India a

global manufacturing destination focussing on 25 thrust sectors.

www.makeinindia.com launched to provide one point solutions to all the persons interested in ‘make in India’ mission.

Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana launched for empowering the population through enhancement of livelihood opportunities.

Sep 25, birth anniversary of Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya to be observed as Antyodaya Diwas every year

The Aajeevika Skills Dev Prog renamed as “Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana” reducing the min entry age to 15 years from 18 years.

The new Road Safety and Transport Bill, 2014 proposes a steep hike in penalties for traffic violations:

Fine up to Rs 3 lakh along with minimum 7 –years jail for death of a child in certain circumstances.

Fine of Rs 5 lakh per vehicle as well as imprisonment for faulty manufacturing design, Cancellation of licences for rash and negligent driving.

Country’s first 'Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve' (CDBR) to come up in the Spiti region of the tribal Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh.

Govt has launched the Reefer Vehicle Call-in-Centre (RVC) for smooth transportation of perishable goods.

The first anti-Tuberculosis Drug Resistance Survey of India was launched on Sept 6 supported by WHO.

All India Radio has started free SMS service to provide news in Hindi, Marathi, Sanskrit, Dogri and Nepali.

A National Sports University will be set up in Manipur to promote excellence in sports studies.

Textiles Ministry has approved setting up of 13 textile parks

India Newborn Action Plan launched in New Delhi to achieve the single digit neonatal mortality and stillbirth rate by 2030.

The Supreme Court has directed Central Government to ensure 3 percent quota for disabled persons in all government jobs, including IAS and promotions.

ECONOMIC INDICATORS

NOVEMBER 2014 Rating agency Fitch says that India's economic growth

is expected to pick up to 5.6 per cent in the current fiscal on account of structural reforms

OCTOBER 2014

A World Bank report says that India’s GDP is likely to expand by 5.6 per cent this fiscal as reforms gain momentum.


SEPTEMBER 2014 Standard & Poor’s (S&P) has raised the outlook on

India’s sovereign rating from negative to stable. Asian Development Bank has revised India's GDP

growth upwards by 0.3 per cent to 6.3 per cent for 2015.

Prof. B N Goldar committee set up to develop a new inflation index - the Producer Price Index which may replace the Wholesale Price Index.

ECONOMY

NOVEMBER 2014 The Government re-launched Kisan Vikas Patra scheme

on Nov 18 to encourage the habit of small savings among the citizens.

The KVPs will be available in denominations of Rs. 1000, 5000, 10,000 and 50,000 with no upper limit for investment

The invested amount will become double in 100 months.

MSP FOR RABI CROPS FOR 2014-15 SEASON CROP Rs./Qtl CROP Rs./Qtl Wheat 1450 Gram 3175 Barley 1150 Rapeseed/ Musturd 3100 Masur dal 3075 Safflower 3050

The market capitaliastion of all listed companies on the Bombay Stock Exchange, Asia's oldest stock exchange, hit a record Rs 100 trillion (lakh crore) mark on Nov 28.

Govt has come out with the mandatory standards (BIS marks) for 15 electronic products, including mobile phones, power banks and LED lamps.

India signed Tax Information Exchange Agreement – TIEA with Saint Kitts & Nevis, a two-island Carribean country, perceived as a safe haven for offshore funds.

Exporters and SEZ units asked to realise and repatriate overseas sales proceeds in nine months, as against 12-month earlier, from the date of shipment.

Suzlon Energy installed the world’s tallest 120 meters high hybrid wind generator turbine in Asia’s biggest wind energy park in Kutch, Gujarat.

India signs a USD 200 million loan agreement with the World Bank to finance the setting up of technology centres to help MSMEs enhance their productivity.

Asian Development Bank (ADB) will provide $350-million loan assistance for upgradation of district roads in Madhya Pradesh.

OCTOBER 2014

A major crude oil discovery in the Kharenti-A well near Ahmadabad in the Cambay basin by a private oil company, makes it the biggest find of the year.

SEBI barred India's largest real estate company DLF and its top officials, including chairman KP Singh, from accessing or dealing in stock markets for three years.

Amazon.com and India's Future Group, promoters of ‘Big Bazaar’ retail chain, have signed a deal to jointly sell goods over the Internet

Delhi Metro has been ranked second among 18 international Metro systems in terms of overall customer satisfaction in an online customer survey.

Maruti Suzuki launched ‘Ciaz’ - its first sedan car in past 7 years, to meet competition from Honda City and Hyundai Verna.

Government has decided to import potatoes for the first time to augment domestic availability and to check its rising prices.

Country’s first olive oil refinery has been started in Lunkaransar area of Bikaner, Rajasthan. The project was started by taking assistance from Israel.

IndiGo, India’s largest domestic airline by market share, has signed a deal to buy 250 latest Airbus A-320 neo aircrafts worth $26 billion or Rs 1.55 lakh crore.

India has imposed anti-dumping duty on Phenol imported from the U.S. and China’s Taipei to safeguard the interest of domestic manufacturers.

SEPTEMBER 2014 Supreme Court on 24th Sep cancelled 214 coal block

allocations made since 1993, except 4 blocks, one each of NTPC and SAIL and 2 of Sasan UMPH.

Govt has directed that 50 per cent of all the works taken up at the district level under MNREGA scheme should only be for water conservation.

The Netherlands is working with India to set up 10 centres of excellence across the country with an aim to raise agriculture output

Reliance Industries Chairman, Mukesh Ambani has topped the Forbes list of billionaires in India for the eighth consecutive year with a net worth of $23.6 billion.

The ADB to give $63.3 million loan to improve urban municipal services in Karnataka and $150 million for development of renewable energy in Rajasthan.

Union government has decided to close down India’s sole and oldest (1961) public sector watch company - HMT Watches in a phased manner.

India has signed the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in services and investments with 10 ASEAN countries.

ADB to give $150 million loan to help build transmission lines for renewable energy development in Rajasthan.

BANKING

NOVEMBER 2014 The Reserve Bank on Nov 27 released the guidelines for

‘payment banks’ and ‘small banks’. Payments banks can receive deposits and

remittances, but cannot lend; focusing on migrant labour and low income households.

Small banks will lend to “unserved and under-served sections”, including small business units, small and marginal farmers, and micro and small industries.


RBI has asked banks to inform their customers about fall in the minimum balance and said that penal charges should be levied only to the extent of shortfall

In an all stock amalgamation, ING Vysya Bank decided to merge itself with Kotak Mahindra Bank, creating the fourth largest private sector bank in the country.

RBI has Traised the net own funds requirements for NBFCs that manage funds worth Rs 500 crore, from Rs.25 lakh at present to Rs.1 crore by March, 2016

Kerala and Goa have become the first states in the country to have bank accounts for all households in the state under Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojna (PMJDY).

RBI has made it mandatory for banks to send SMS alerts to both payer and drawer in cheque transactions

The SEBI has allowed the State Bank of India and three mutual funds to launch Sharia funds. Sharia-compliant funds invest in companies that follow Islamic rules.

The foreign investment promotion board (FIPB) has allowed HDFC Bank to increase foreign investment in the bank to 74 per cent.

Country's oldest and largest foreign bank, Standard Chartered Bank, opened its 100th branch in Nakatia, Bareily (UP)

OCTOBER 2014

KYC COMPLIANCE ‘MUST’ FOR ALL ACCOUNTS The RBI has made it mandatory for all bank customers, including low risk ones, to be KYC-compliant. The accounts which are not KYC compliant, credits

would be allowed but debits won't be allowed However, the account-holder will have the option to

close the account and withdraw the money. To facilitate compliance of KYC norms, banks have been

asked to allow self-certification of documents and accept a certified copy of the document

KYC norms were introduced in 2001, after the 9/11 attacks in New York, America.

Customers of the 6metros who had 3 free transactions in a month at non-home ATMs can now have 2 more free transactions at the non metro centres.

State Bank of India has launched a facility called ‘mPassBook’ on its ‘State Bank Anywhere’ mobile application, for its retail banking users.

Kotak Mahindra Bank has launched an instant bank payment product – KayPay for Facebook users to send money to each other in an instant.

Federal Bank has won the IDRBT Banking Technology Excellence award for 2013-14 in four out of total five Categories in the mid-sized lenders segment.

RBI signs a pact with Central Bank of Kenya for exchange of information and supervisory cooperation.

SEPTEMBER 2014 United Bank of India has slapped wilful defaulter notice

on Kingfisher Airline, its promoter Vijay Mallya and its directors.

Government has decided that benefits under Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana would be extended to existing bank account holders provided they apply for it.

RBI has said that the S B accounts in which even if dividend cheque has been credited in it in the previous two years, may not be treated as inoperative.

State Bank of India accounted for half of the total number of banking transactions done through mobile phone in June, 2014,

ICICI Bank became the first bank to surpass the Rs 1,000-crore mark in terms of amount of transactions done through mobile phones in June 2014.

Indian Highways Management Company has inked a pact with Axis Bank and ICICI Bank for services related to electronic toll collection.

G Gopalakrishna Committee formed to give recommendations on capacity building in banks and NBFCs

SBI introduced new S B accounts 'Pehli Udaan' for minors and 'Pehla Kadam’ for minors accounts operated jointly with parent or guardian.

ICICI Bank has introduced a Cardless Cash Withdrawal facility to allow customers to transfer money to anyone in India with a mobile number.

H R Khan committee set up to review unclaimed PPF and post office saving accounts and suggest how these funds can be utilised for the benefit of senior citizens

201 state and district level Central Cooperative Banks have joined the 'NABARD initiated Project on Core Banking Solutions in Co-operative Banks.

RBI has advised that if a company fails to repay its bank dues, its other group units may also be termed wilful defaulters.

RBI has fixed 70 years as the upper age limit for Managing Directors and Chief Executive Officers and other whole-time director of banks in the private sector.

Export-Import Bank of China and China Development Bank Corp.signed MoU with SBI, ICICI Bank and Axis Bank to facilitate trade between the two countries.

DEFENCE, SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

NOVEMBER 2014 India test-fired the Prithvi-II missile on 14th Nov from

the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur, Odisha. Naval

version of this missile – Dhanush was also tested.

The long-range surface-to-air missile (LR-SAM) with a range of 70 kms, developed jointly by DRDO and Israeli Aerospace Industries tested successfully on 10th Nov.

The Indian Army’s team won the 48 hours rigorous endurance competition – Cambrain Patrol held in Wales, UK.

DRDO successfully test-fired on Nov 9 its nuclear capable ballistic missile – Agni-II having a strike range of 2,000 km and beyond.

Tejas (PV-6): India’s first indigenous Light Combat Aircraft’s two-seater trainer jet version made its maiden flight on Nov 8.


Indian Air force tested its medium range surface-to-air anti-aircraft missile Akash with a strike range of 25 km.

In a freak accident, a Torpedo Recovery Vessel of Indian Navy sunk off the Visakhapatnam coast during a naval exercise due to a probable split in its base.

Mithra Shakthi: Three week Joint military exercise between Indian and Sri Lankan military forces in Sri Lanka in Nov 2014

Hand in Hand 2014: 4th Joint anti terrorism military exercise by Indian and Chinese forces held in Pune at Aundh Military Station from Nov – 17.

Rosetta spacecraft created history on 12th Nov by landing its Philae probe on the comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko, some 500 million kms away from Earth.

Scientists have developed antibiotic-free drug named Staphefekt as an alternative to antibiotics to fight against the antibiotics-resistant superbugs

India’s Mars mission Mangalyaan, developed by ISRO, has been listed among the 25 best innovations of 2014 by the Time magazine.

A study by the Internet & Mobile Association of India shows that Mumbai has the largest number -(16.4 million, of internet users in India, followed by Delhi.

OCTOBER 2014 India successfully test-fired its nuclear-capable cruise

missile 'Nirbhay' from the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha, having a strike range of 700 kms.

India and China to set up hotlines between their army headquarters and establish new border meeting posts to amicably address incidents of incursions on border.

China has test fired a new variant of its 10,000 km range missile - Dongfeng-31B, capable of targeting Europe and the West Coast of the United States.

ISRO launched its third navigation satellite IRNSS 1C on board its PSLV-C26 rocket from Sriharikota on Oct 16.

SEPTEMBER 2014 A joint 14 days military exercise between the armed

forces of America and India was held at Ranikhet in Almora District of Uttrakhand.

The Naval Offshore Patrol Vessel (NOPV), INS Sumitra, built by Goa Shipyard Ltd joins Indian Navy

Pakistan conducted a successful test of its surface to surface missile Hatf IX (NASR), with a range of 60 kms

Iran unveiled a new surface-to-air missile - Talash-3 (“Endeavor-3”), to shoot down hostile target at high altitude.

India scripted history on Sep 24, becoming the first country to place its Mars Orbiter Spacecraft (MOS) in the orbit in very first attempt.

Scientists have warned that millions of lives could be at risk because of the threat to food crops posed by conflict in the Middle East.

Researchers at Drexel University in the US have claimed to have discovered in Argentina remains of an enormous Dinosaur weighing nearly 60 tons.

China launched two satellites - Yaogan-21 and Tiantuo- 1 to relay information on natural resources, disaster management and smart satellite experiments.

DRDO successfully test-fired Agni-I - nuclear-capable surface-to-surface missile with a striking range of 700 to 1250 km.

I N T E R N A T I O N A L NOVEMBER 2014

The World Bank released a report on the impact of global warming titled “Turn Down the Heat: Confronting the New Climate Normal.”

A cargo train started on Nov 25 from the Chinese city of Yiwu for Madrid, Spain on the world’s longest rail journey of 10,000 kms, following the old Silk Route.

The US has adopted the first-ever resolution calling on governments to stop child marriages.

30 nations meet in Berlin pledged $9.3 billion for a fund to help developing countries cut emissions and prepare for climate change to avoid global warming.

The UNO has dedicated Nov 19th as World Toilet Day to bring into limelight the plight of all those people who do not have access to a toilet.

Head of nations meet of the G20 nations held at Brisbane, Australia on 15-16 Nov.

Turkey will host 2015 G20 summit and the 2016 summit will be hosted by China.

China and USA have agreed to limit emission of greenhouse gases — ending a 20-year discord between them on how to combat climate change.

As per recent reports from IMF, in October 2014, China overtook the US to become the world’s largest economy in terms of Purchasing Power Parity (PPP).

China’s GDP stood at $ 17.6 trillion, 16.48 percent of the World GDP, followed by USA at $ 17.4 trillion. India ranked 3rd with $ 7.3 trillion size.

Thousands of Greeks took to the streets of Athens to hold a nationwide strike to protest against the government’s austerity drive involving job cuts.

Japan's economy shrank for the second consecutive quarter, marking a technical recession in the world's third largest economy.

Sweden has become the first European Union (EU) country to officially recognise the State of Palestine.

WHO released first ever ‘Guidelines for Indoor Air Quality - Household Fuel Combustion’ to promote use of clean fuels at household level.

22nd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit was held in Beijing, China from 9th November 2014 to 11th November 2014.

Czech Republic celebrated the 25th anniversary of the launch of the Velvet Revolution that toppled communism and led to dawn of democracy in 1989.

General council meeting of WTO held at GENEVA on 27th November, 2014

International Buddhist Conference held in Lumbini, Nepal, Nov 15-16.


OCTOBER 2014

Hong Kong witnessed widespread clashes between pro-democracy activists and counter-protesters (pro-Beijing) The movement has been named as “occupy central” and also given the name ‘umbrella revolution’ due to extensive use of umbrellas by the demonstrators.

The World Health Organization has advised that by October 25, the number of Ebola cases has exceeded the 10,000 mark, holding with about a 50 percent mortality rate.

UNO observed the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty on 17th October.

The theme for 2014 was “Leave no one behind: think, decide and act together against extreme poverty”.

The United Kingdom finally called it a day to its presence in Afghanistan when it handed over its last base there in Helmand province to the Afghan forces.

Angola, Malaysia, New Zealand, Venezuela and Spain were elected as the new non-permanent members of the UN Security Council for a two years term.

Jaffna-Colombo railway line, reconstructed with Indian assistance in Sri Lanka's former war zone,started 24 years after it was shut down during the civil war.

China and 20 other countries plan to set up an Asian infrastructure Bank seen as a counterweight to West backed international development banks.

Google closed the social networking site Orkut on 30 September 2014. The site was started in 2004 by Orkut Buyukkokten, a Google employee.

Severe typhoon – Vongfong slammed into Japan on 13th Oct. at Makurazaki on Kyushu Island with winds of up to 180 kmph, causing widespread destruction.

Strong typhoon Phanfone slammed into Japan on 5th

Oct. with winds of up to 180 kmph lashing the shore, bringing heavy rain and chaos in areas around Tokyo.

SEPTEMBER 2014 Mr Narendra Modi addressed the 69th session of United

Nations General Assembly, in New York. SAARC Culture Ministers Conference at New Delhi

named Bamiyan to be the SAARC cultural capital for 2015-16 and Dhaka for 2016-17.

UN Climate Change Summit 2014 held at UN headquarters in New York on 23 September 2014.

Scotland has rejected independence and decided to stay with United Kingdom as 55 % population voted in favour of staying with U K.

Ukraine's Parliament has ratified a landmark European Union pact that decisively steers the former Soviet state towards Europe and away from Russian influence.

The NATO summit held in Wales, UK. The resolutions adopted in the summit were named ‘Wales Resolution’.

Over two million affected in massive floods in Pakistan, mainly in Punjab province and in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK).

6th meeting of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation for Home Ministers held on September 19 at Kathmandu, attended by Rajnath Singh.

West Asia’s largest consumer IT and electronics retail show- GITEX Shopper held at World Trade Center, Dubai

London will host its first-ever Regional Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (RPBD) next month from October 16 to 18.

The seventh round of nuclear talks between Iran and six major world powers- US, UK, France, Russia, China and Germany were held in New York.

PERSONS IN NEWS NOVEMBER 2014

NARENDRA MODI: joined the Forbes list of the world's most powerful people at 15th rank. The list is topped by the Russian President Vladimir Putin

ARUNDHATI BHATTACHARYA: The Chairperson of country's largest bank- SBI, was named as the most-powerful business woman in India by Fortune Magazine.

GEN. DALBIR SINGH SUHAG: Indian Army Chief was conferred the title of honorary rank of General of Nepal Army by the Nepalese President Ram Baran Yadav.

FARHAN AKHTAR: Bollywood actor-director became the first man in the history of “UN Women” to be appointed as its Goodwill Ambassador for South Asia.

NIKKI HALEY: Governor of South Caorlina state, USA, the youngest of current US Governors (42) was in news as she visited Punjab

MALALA YOUSAFZAI: Pakistani teenage rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner was in news for donating $50,000 to help rebuild UN schools in Gaza that have been damaged during the recent fight with Israel.

CHUCK HAGEL: U.S. Defense Secretary was in news as he resigned from his post. VLADIMIR PUTIN: Russian President was in news as he walked out of the G20 summit in Australia to protest the criticism from Western leaders over Russia’s interference in Ukraine.

OCTOBER 2014

RAGHURAM RAJAN: Reserve Bank of India Governor has received the Euromoney’s “Central Bank Governor of the Year Award 2014” in Washington on October 10 for his excellent performance. Euromoney is a reputed international financial magazine of UK.

SARITA DEVI: Indian boxer was in news as the International Boxing Association provisionally suspended her for protesting against a controversial verdict, at 2014 Incheon Asian Games. She declined to accept the bronze medal awarded to her as she expected to win the silver.

SHAKTI DEVI: An Indian police inspector won International Female Police Peacekeeper Award 2014 by the UN's police division for her "exceptional achievements" in her duty with the UN mission in Afghanistan


HARSHIT SAUMITRA: A five-year-old Indian boy has become the youngest person to reach the Everest Base Camp at an altitude of 5,364 metres (17,598 ft). A class 1 student from New Delhi, Harshit took 10 days to cover the distance of 62 km trek. He also climbed the nearby Kalapathar (5550 m) peak LEELA SAMSON: Eminent Bharatnatyam dancer and Chairperson of Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) was in news as she resigned from the post of Chairperson of Sangeet Natak Akademi. THOMAS KAILATH: Indian-American professor from USA is one of the nine scientists selected for the prestigious National Medal of Science, the highest honour for achievement in the fields of science and engineering in USA. JOSHUA WONG: He has just completed 18 years but he is one of the fieriest political activists in Hong Kong. He is the founder of students organisation “Scholarism” which is leading the pro democracy youth movement in Hong Kong.

JEFFREY P. BEZOS: The Chief Executive of the world’s largest e-tailer –Amazon.com, called on Modi and committed $2 billion investment in the country.

MARK ZUCKERBERG: Founder and CEO of Facebook, called on the Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.

ALAN EUSTACE: A senior Google vice-president (57) created a new world record for highest free-fall parachute jump. He went up hanging with a Helium balloon and jumped in a specially designed space suit from an altitude of 135908 ft (41.4kms) reaching a max speed of 1300 kmph.

SEPTEMBER 2014 R A MASHELKAR: Eminent scientist has been named to head an expert panel to recommend best technologies for the "Swachh Bharat" national sanitation campaign with an emphasis on areas like potable water and sanitation. AKKINENI NAGESWARA RAO (ANR): Legendary Telugu actor, who passed away in January 2014, became the first Indian actor to be honoured with a postage stamp by the U.S. Post Service (USPS). CHITRESH TATHA: 12-year-old, a sailor of ‘Optimist’ dinghy category is the youngest sailor to represent India at the 2014 Asian Games at Incheon, South Korea. T N SURESH KUMAR: A senior ISRO scientist has become the first Indian to visit the stratosphere, the second layer of the Earth’s atmosphere. ALOK SHETTY: The 28 year old Indian architect has been named ‘Young Leader of Tomorrow’ by Time magazine for his pioneering work in designing affordable flood-proof houses for slum dwellers. JACK MA: Chinese founder and promoter of world’s largest online shopping portal – Alibaba was in news as the firm successfully launched world’s largest IPO, amassing around $25 billion from the investors.

A P P O I N T M E N T S NOVEMBER 2014

DEEPAK GUPTA: Chairman of Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)

JUSTICE C K PRASAD: Chairman, Press Council of India

HASMUKH ADHIA: Union Financial Services Secretary

G S SANDHU: Chairman of National Chemical Weapon Convention.

LAXMIKANT PARSEKAR: Chief Minister, Goa

ANITA KAPUR:Chairperson, Central Board of Direct Taxes.

KLAUS WARREN LOHANNIS: President of Romania, first non Romanian (German) to become President

OCTOBER 2014 MANOHAR LAL KHATTAR: New Chief Minister of Haryana

DEVENDRA FADNAVIS: Chief Minister of Maharashtra

ARVIND SUBRAMANIAN: Chief Economic Adviser to the Union Government. He is the former IMF economist

RAJIV MEHRISHI: Union Finance Secretary

Dr. A SURYA PRAKASH: Chairman, Prasaar Bharati Board

HEMANT CONTRACTOR: Chairman of Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA)

DILMA ROUSSEFF: Re-elected as the President of Brazil, second term leading her Workers Party

KHALED BAHAH: Prime Minister of Yemen

JENS STOLTENBERG: Secretary-General of NATO

India has been re-elected as member of the 47-nation UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for the period of 2015-17

SEPTEMBER 2014 R A MASHELKAR: Technology Head of the "Swachh Bharat Mission".

LALITHA KUMARAMANGALAM: Chairperson of the National Commission for Women.

P. SATHASIVAM: Governor of Kerala, he is former Chief Justice of India

HARDEEP SINGH PURI: Secretary General of Independent Commission on Multilateralism O PANNEERSELVAM: Elected as new Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, in place of Jayalalitha

ADIL ZAINULBHAI: Former McKinsey India Chief has been appointed Chairman, Quality Council of India.

JUSTICE H.L. DATTU: 42nd Chief Justice of India. ASHRAF GHANI: President of Afghanistan

VOREQE BAINIMARAMA: Fiji's new Prime Minister


JOHN KEY: Prime Minister of New Zealand

LE YUCHENG: China's new Ambassador to India.

RICHARD RAHUL VERMA: Next US ambassador to India.

AWARDS & HONOURS

NOVEMBER 2014 INDIRA GANDHI PRIZE for Peace, Disarmament and Development for 2014: Indian Space Research Organisation – ISRO for its contribution in strengthening international cooperation in peaceful use of outer space.

GANDHIAN PHILOSOPHY and Public Service Broadcasting Award 2014: Won by Radio Kashmir, Jammu for its programme Jeevan Rekha.

CENTENARY AWARD for Indian Film Personality of the Year: Rajinikanth, super star of south cinema was conferred this honour at the 45th International Film Festival of India, in Goa.

Sumitra Charat Ram Award 2014: Pandit Jasraj, veteran classical vocalist for Lifetime Achievement.

INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S PEACE PRIZE: Neha Gupta (18), an Indian-American from Philadelphia, won the prestigious prize for her work to help orphans in India and other vulnerable children. She became the first ever American to be awarded the prize in The Hague, Netherlands.

IIM- JRD TATA AWARD for Excellence in Corporate leadership: C S Verma, Chairman, SAIL

THE IPI INDIA AWARD for Excellence in Journalism, 2014, awarded jointly to Hindustan Times and The Week for “outstanding journalistic work” during 2013.

IPI – International Press Institute, Vienna (Austria) WORLD’S CHILDREN PRIZE: Malala Yousafzai in Sweden

THE GRAND CORDON of the Order of the Paulownia Flowers: One of Japan’s top national awards, conferred on Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for his contribution to Indo-Japan ties. He is first Indian to receive this honour.

SYDNEY PEACE PRIZE 2014: Julian Burnside, Human rights advocate and barrister from Australia.

SAKHAROV PRIZE for Human Rights: Denis Mukwege from Congo for treating victims of gang rape

OCTOBER 2014

NATIONAL RAIL AWARD: Harish Kanwar, Deputy Director in Railway Board for his contribution in completion of the Pirpanjal rail tunnel in J&K.

NATIONAL KISHORE KUMAR AWARD: Noted Bollywood lyricist Sameer

LAL BAHADUR SHASTRI NATIONAL AWARD – 2014 for Excellence in Public Administration, Academics and Management: Dr. A. Sivathanu Pillai, CEO and MD of BrahMos Aerospace.

WORLD MEDIA SUMMIT Global Awards for Excellence, 2014: P. Sainath, Rural Affairs Editor at The Hindu got the Public Welfare Award. He is one of the five other media entities honoured with these awards. WILDSCREEN PANDA AWARD: The coveted wildlife photography award in best newcomer category was won by Ashwika Kapur for her film, Sirocco - how a dud became a stud at the annual Wildscreen Film Festival held at Bristol, UK.

CULTURAL MEDALLION 2014 (Singapore): KTM Iqbal, an Indian-origin Singaporean poet and writer was named for this highest cultural award of Singapore.

WORLD FOOD PRIZE 2014: Dr Sanjaya Rajaram for his scientific research that led to a bumper growth in world wheat production.

MAN BOOKER PRIZE: The Australian novelist Richard Flanagan for book “The Narrow Road to the Deep North.” The book tells the harrowing story of an Australian surgeon who is held in a Japanese P.O.W. camp and is forced to work on the Thailand-Burma Railway.

WAISLITZ GLOBAL CITIZEN AWARD: Anoop Jain for his work in founding Humanure Power in Bihar in 2011 that builds community sanitation facilities in rural India.

GLOBAL DIVERSITY AWARD 2014: Shah Rukh Khan has been honoured with this award by British Parliament for his contribution to cinema.

2014 Nobel Prizes Declared

PRIZE FIELD

PRIZE DECIDED

BY

WINNER OF 2014

SELECTED WORK

Physiology or Medicine

The Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institute, Stockholm

John O’Keefe of the USA, May-Britt & Edward Moser of Norway

For discovering brain’s internal positioning system, helping humans find their ways and giving clues to how strokes and Alzheimer affect the brain.

Physics The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences

Isamu Akasaki and Hiroshi Amano from Japan and U.S. citizen Shuji Nakamura

For inventing blue light-emitting diodes, a breakthrough that has spurred the development of LED technology to light up homes, computer screens and smartphones worldwide.

Chemistry The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences

Eric Betzig and William Moerner from the USA; Stefan Hell from Germany

For finding ways to make microscopes more powerful than previously thought possible, allowing scientists to see how diseases develop inside the tiniest cells.

Literature The Swedish Academy

Patrick Modiano, France

For his moody, terse and occasionally dreamlike novels, often set during the Nazi occupation of France


Peace The Norwegian Nobel Committee

Indian child right activist Kailash Satyarthi and Pakistani child education activist Malala Yousafzai (See details below)

For their struggle against the suppression of children and young people and for the right of education for all children.

Economics The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences

Jean Tirole, France

For research on market power and regulation that has helped policy-makers understand how to deal with industries dominated by a few dominant companies

SEPTEMBER 2014 SARASWATI SAMMAN: Noted Hindi novelist Govind Mishra for his novel ‘Dhool Paudhon Par’. The prize carries a cash award of Rs. Ten lakh. SHANTI SWARUP BHATNAGAR AWARD: 10 scientists selected for the annual award conferred for their outstanding works in the field of science and technology. SAAKSHAR BHARAT AWARDS are given on International Literacy Day – Sep 8 by the Union Ministry of Human Resource Development for the best performance in the field of adult education. BHARTENDU HARISHCHANDRA AWARDS: Given by Union Ministry for Information & Broadcasting for original writing in Hindi by Indian authors on subjects like Journalism and Mass Communication, National Integration, Women’s Issues and Children’s Literature.

MIDORI PRIZE IN BIODIVERSITY – 2014: Kamal Bawa, Indian scientist and ecologist for his research on climate change in the Himalayas. The prize given by a Japanese foundation, honours three individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.

GOLDEN LION: Award for best film at the Venice Film Festival was bagged by the Swedish film, A Pigeon Sat on a Branch While Reflecting on Existence directed by Roy Anderson.

LION OF THE FUTURE: Award for best debut feature film at the Venice Film Festival won by the film Court by Indian writer-director Chaitanya Tamhane.

OBITUARY

NOVEMBER 2014 RAVI CHOPRA: Veteran film director from Bollywood,

famous for his tele serial – Mahabharat and movie – Baghban.

SADASHIV AMRAPURKAR: Mumbai Cinema actor, winner of two Filmfare awards.

MURLI DEORA: Eminent Congress leader from Maharashtra and former Union Petroleum Minister

SITARA DEVI: Eminent Kathak danseuse, Padma sri awardee.

P D JAMES: Noted English crime thriller novelist from UK. Popular as “Queen of Crime”

PHILLIP HUGHES: Australian batsman suffered a fatal hit by a short-pitched bouncer by Sean Abbott in Sydney

KEN TAKAKURA: Noted Japanese film actor

WARREN ANDERSON: Former Union Carbide chief, wanted in India in connection with the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy, died at 92 in New York – Sep 29.

OCTOBER 2014

M.V. KAMATH: Veteran journalist and former Prasar Bharati Chairman, Padmasri awardee from Karnataka.

JAGDISH SHARAN PANDE: Noted freedom fighter from Almora, Uttarakhand.

MARTIN PERL: Nobel Prize-winning physicist from USA, known for discovery of a subatomic particle known as the Tau Lepton.

SEPTEMBER 2014

BIPAN CHANDRA: Padma Bhushan awardee historian, authority on economic and political history of India.

BAPU (Sathiraju Lakshminarayana): Veteran Telugu film director, artist and cartoonist, Padma Sri awardee

G.E. VAHANVATI: The former Attorney-General of India

BALRAJ PURI: Veteran journalist, Padma Bhushan awardee, author of over 40 books

MANDOLIN U. SHRINIVAS: Eminent Carnatic music exponent from Andhra Pradesh, Padmasri awardee, known for his expert use of mandolin

KIREET JOSHI: Eminent educationist and former education adviser to the Union government

FIROZA BEGUM: Prominent Bangladeshi Nazrul Sangeet singer

JOAN RIVERS: 81-year-old noted lady comedian and TV host from USA

NORMAN GORDON: South African fast bowler, oldest surviving Test cricketer passed away at 103 years.


PATIALA: 09056–11–4949

BATHINDA: 07696–22–5975


P L A C E S I N N E W S NOVEMBER 2014

JAYAPUR: A village near Varanasi was in news as it was adopted for development by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi under ‘Sansad Gram Yojna’.

HAMPI: Place in Karnataka was in news as some 20 drawings of the Harappan (Sindhu) era in Gondi dialect were discovered there at a nearby hilltop.

FERGUSON: A small town in Missouri State of USA was in news as it suffered violent racial riots. The riots sparked after a grand jury cleared a white police officer in the fatal August 9 shooting of an unarmed black teenager.

BERLIN WALL: Massive public celebrations were held in Germany to mark the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall.

CATALONIA: A small but prosperous region in north eastern Spain was in news as it voted in a symbolic ballot on Nov 9 on the issue – “whether to break away from Spain or not” to emerge as an independent state.

WORLD TRADE CENTER, NY: The 104-story, $3.9 billion skyscraper at Manhattan, New York, the tallest in America, was inaugurated on Nov 03, almost thirteen years after the 9/11 terrorist attack that destroyed the original towers.

OCTOBER 2014

VISAKHAPATNAM: A major coastal city of Andhra Pradesh suffered wide spread destruction under the impact of severe super cyclone ‘Hudhud’

NALIYA: Small town on coast of Kutchh, Gujarat was in news as it was struck by super cyclone Nilofer.

SEPTEMBER 2014

GOA: The city was declared as the permanent venue for the International Film Festival of India (IFFI). The 45th IFFI will be held here from 20 to 30 November, 2014.

VIJAYAWADA: City of Andhra Pradesh was in news as it was declared to be the new capital of Andhra Pradesh.

CHABAD HOUSE: The Jewish centre, also called Nariman House, in Mumbai was reopened on 26 August 2014, nearly six years after the 26/11 terror attack in November 2008. The Centre is a sacred synagogue of Jews.

S P O R T S W O R L D

NOVEMBER 2014 ROHIT SHARMA made history by scoring the highest

individual score of 264 runs (173b, 33x4, 9x6) in the world history of ODIs, playing against Sri Lanka in Kolkata’s Eden Garden Stadium on Nov 13.

C.K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award for 2014: Former Indian captain Dilip Vengsarkar. The Award is given by BCCI.

Polly Umrigar Award 2013-14: Pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar for being India’s best international cricketer of the year, given by BCCI.

ICC’s LG People's Choice Award 2014: Indian fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar

ABHINAV BINDRA: India’s ace shooter became the first Indian to be elected as Chairman of International Shooting Sport Federation's (ISSF) Athletes Committee.

Sachin Tendulkar was inducted into the Bradman Hall of Fame on 5th October at the Sydney Cricket Ground, Australia.

Ms Deborah, a tribal girl from Andaman and Nicobar Islands has created history in National Level by winning four Gold Medals in the Track Asia Cup Cycling Championship 2014 held at New Delhi.

54th National Open Athletics Championships held at New Delhi. Tintu Luka was adjudged the best female athlete and Ankit Sharma was named the best male athlete.

South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Women's Championship: India wins beating Nepal in Islamabad, Pakistan.

Indian cricket team won 5-match ODI series in a whitewash against Sri Lanka, winning all the five matches.

Saina Nehwal and K Srikanth clinched the women's and men's singles title (Badminton) of the China Open Super Series Premier in Fuzhou, China, on 15th Nov.

Duleep Trophy: Central Zone lifts the cricket cup after beating South Zone at New Delhi.

43rd Handball National Championship (women’s): Punjab beats Haryana to win the tournament at Mastuana Sahib, Punjab.

127th Durand Cup: Salgaocar FC won the prestigious Football championship in Goa, defeating Pune FC.

World Kabaddi League: United Singhs won the finals beating Khalsa Warriors at Mohali, Punjab.

68th Sr. National Aquatic Championship held at Kolkata.

Terry Walsh quits as the Head Coach of the National Hockey team.

Mitchell Johnson: Australia’s fast bowler won the International Cricket Council's (ICC) Sir Garfield Sobers trophy for the Cricketer of the Year award for 2014.

AB de Villiers: South Africa’s batsman was voted the ODI player of 2014.

Sarah Taylor: England’s wicketkeeper was named women’s player of 2014.

Lionel Messi: FC Barcelona superstar became the all-time highest scorer in La Liga history by scoring 253 goals, playing against Sevilla in Spain.

Lewis Hamilton of UK won the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as well as the Formula 1 racing championship title of the year becoming the first British double world champion since Jackie Stewart in 1971.


Magnus Carlsen of Norway has retained his World Chess Championship title defeating five-time champion Viswanathan Anand in the 11th game at Sochi, Russia on Nov 23.

Novak Djokovic (Serbia) won the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals on Nov 16 at London. Switzerland won their first ever Davis Cup Tennis title at Lille, France, beating France.

World Women's Boxing Championships held in Jiju, South Korea. S Sarjubala and Saweety won the silver medals for India.

World Tour Golf Championship held at Jumeirah Golf states in Dubai is won by Henrik Stenson from Sweden.

2019 IAAF World Athletics Championships to be hosted by Doha, Qatar. 2015 and 2017 games will be hosted by Beijing and London, respectively.

Africa Cup of Nations 2015 - The 16 nation Football tournament will be hosted by Equatorial Guinea.

Seaways IBSF World Snooker Championship held at Bengaluru.

Lee Chong Wei: World number one in Badminton has been suspended by The Badminton World Federation due to an apparent anti-doping regulation violation.

OCTOBER 2014

The 17th Asian Games came to an end at Incheon on 4th

October. China topped with 342 medals (151 gold, 108 silver and 83 bronze) followed by South Korea (234) and Japan (200).

India was placed at 8th rank, securing 57 medals - 11 Gold, 10 Silver and 36 Bronze.

Kosuke Hagino, the Japanese swimmer, was named as the “Most Valuable Player” of the 17th Asian Games.

MC Mary Kom, gold medal winner boxer was chosen as the ‘Most Valuable Player of India’ at the recent Incheon Asian Games.

The 18th Asian Games will be held in 2018 in Jakarta, Indonesia.

SEPTEMBER 2014

The Asian Games begin in Incheon, South Korea on 19th

September. Sardara Singh, Captain of Indian Hockey team was the flag bearer of the Indian contingent. Viswanathan Anand won the Bilbao Chess Masters Finals at Bilbao, Spain, defeating Levon Aronian of Armenia. Indonesian Masters Grand Prix Gold: H S Prannoy won the badminton championship at Palembang, Indonesia.

51st Shooting World Championship: Indian shooter Pradeep bagged a bronze medal at Granada, Spain. 60th National School Games in six sporting disciplines will be held in November in Punjab.

Sania Mirza and her Zimbabwean partner Cara Black won the women’s doubles title at the WTA Toray Pacific Open at Tokyo, Japan.

Davis Cup Commitment Award: Ace Tennis player Rohan Bopanna. It is given to players who have competed in at least 20 ties.

Pankaj Advani, noted snooker and billiards champion has announced his retirement from the professional snooker. However, he will continue to participate in Billiards.

MANOJ KUMAR: A 2010 CWG boxing gold-medalist was in news as he was selected for Arjuna Award after a directive from the Delhi High Court where he had filed a case challenging his non selection for the award.

DHONI SCORES RECORD 91 ODI WINS India thrashed England in the ODI played at Edgbaston, UK making Dhoni the most successful Indian ODI captain with 91 wins.

20th Asian Junior Table Tennis Championships held at Mumbai.

India’s first National Academy of Athletics established at Kariavattom near Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.

The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) has allowed players to wear religious head coverings, such as hijabs or turbans by Sikhs, on a trial basis.

U S OPEN TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIP, NEW YORK

Marin Cilic (Croatia) beats Japan's Kei Nishikori to win men’s singles title

Serena Williams of USA beats Caroline Wozniazki of Denmark to win Women’s singles title

Sania Mirza with Brazil's Bruno Soares won the mixed doubles title

ICC World Cricket League Division 3 will be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from 23 to 30 October, 2014.

Summer Youth Olympic Games 2014 held at Nanjing, China.

BWF WORLD BADMINTON CHAMPIONSHIP COPENHAGEN, DENMARK

Chen Long of China won the men’s singles beating world no. one Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia

Carolina Marin of Spain become Spain's first-ever World champion in badminton history, beating world no 1 Li Xuerui of China.

P V Sindhu won the bronze medal in women’s singles.

FIBA Basketball World Cup: USA lifts the cup by defeating Serbia at Madrid, Spain.

FILA Senior World Wrestling Championship held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Li Na, China's ace tennis star and only Grand Slam winner announced her retirement at the age of 32.

Marvan Atapattu appointed as the head coach of the Sri Lankan cricket team. He is the former captain of their


BOOKS & AUTHORS

BOOK AUTHOR

Your Dreams are Mine Now Ravinder Singh

7 Secretes of the Goddess Dev Dutt Pattnaik

The Dramatic Decade: The Indira Gandhi Years

Pranab Mukherjee, President of India

The Scatter Here is Too Great

Bilal Tanweer of Lahore won the 2014 Shakti Bhatt First

Book Prize Truth Always Prevails Sadruddin Hashwani

The Rich John Kampfner

Final Test: Exit Sachin Tendulkar

Dilip D’Souza

The Narrow Road to the Deep North

Richard Flanagan

A Man and A Motorcycle, How Hamid Karzai Came to Power

Bette Dam

Worthy Fights: A Memoir of Leadership in War and Peace by Leon Panetta

Jim Newton

Sons of Brahama Dhruba Hazarika

The divided Island Samanth Subramanian

And then One Day: A Memoir

Autobiography of noted film artist Naseeruddin Shah

The Highlights Frank Keating

Odyssey of My Life Autobiography of former Union Home Minister Shivraj

Patil Playing It My Way –My Autobiography

cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar

Gods of Antarctica Yashwardhan Shukla, a 13 year old school boy from

Delhi The Lives of Others by Neel Mukherjee, Kolkata-born British author.

The book has been shortlisted for the prestigious

Booker Prize 2014 Heaven is for Real Todd Burpo & Lynn Vincent

The Boys in the Boat Daniel James Brown

Orange is the New Black Piper Kerman

The Book of Life Deborah Harkness

The Goldfinch Donna Tartt

Half Girlfriend Chetan Bhagat

Simian Vikram Balagopal

One Life is Not Enough Natwar Singh

Not Just an Accountant Vinod Rai

Assassination of Rajiv Gandhi: An Inside Job

Faraz Ahmad

Strictly Personal, Manmohan and Gursharan

Ms Daman Singh

The Lives of Others Neel Mukherjee

Finding Neema Juliet Reynolds

Half a Rupee Stories Gulzar

The Substance and The Shadow

Udaya Tara Nayar, a biography of veteran actor

Dilip Kumar

Innovation in India Shyama V. Ramani

Blood Feud: The Clintons vs. The Obamas

Edward Klein

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Americanah

Hannah Kent Burial Rites

Audrey Magee The Undertaking

Eimear McBride A Girl Is a Half-Formed Thing

Donna Tartt The Goldfinch

Post Haste: Quintessential India

B.G. Verghese

Hard Choices Hillary Clinton

India Junction – A Window to the Nation brought out

Public Relations Directorate, Railway Board

A Stamp is Born C. R. Pakrashi


B A N K P O MODEL TEST PAPER

REASONING ABILITY Directions (Q. 1-5): Study the following information carefully to answer the given questions. A word and number arrangement machine when given an input line of words and numbers rearranges them following a particular rule in each step. The following is an illustration of the input and rearrangement. (All the numbers are two-digit numbers.) Input: 76 pink 83 colour 79 each 65 owl ice 81 Step I: each 76 pink 83 colour 79 65 owl ice 81 Step II: each 65 76 pink 83 colour 79 owl ice 81 Step III:each 65 ice 76 pink 83 colour 79 owl 81 Step IV: each 65 ice 76 owl pink 83 colour 79 81 Step V:each 65 ice 76 owl 79 pink 83 colour 81 Step VI: each 65 ice 76 owl 79 colour pink 83 81 Step VII: each 65 ice 76 owl 79 colour 81 pink 83 Step VII is the last step of the above input as the desired arrangement is obtained. As per the rules followed above, find the appropriate step for the given input. Input: magazine 14 desire 21 input 13 28 expire activate 25 30 1) Which step number is the following output? activate 13 expire 14 input magazine desire 21 28 25 30 a) Step IV b) Step V c) Step VII d) There is no such step e) None of these 2) How many elements (words or numbers) are there between ‘14’ and ‘25’ as they appear in the last step but one? a) Two b) Three c) Four d) Five e) Six 3) Which word/number would be at the fifth position from the right in Step III? a) desire b) 14 c) input d) 21 e) None of these

4) Which of the following represents the position of ‘input’ in the sixth step? a) Seventh from the left b) Fifth from the right c) Fifth from the left d) Sixth from the left e) None of these 5) How many steps would be required to get the final output? a) Six b) Seven c) Five d) Nine e) Eight Directions (Q. 6-8): Study the following information carefully and answer the given questions. There are five bottles A, E, I, O and U arranged on a table but not necessarily in the same order. Bottle E is to the north of bottle O. Bottle I is to the south of bottle E. Bottle A and bottle U are in the east and west respectively of bottle I. 6) In which direction is bottle O with respect to bottle I? a) South b) North c) Either a) or b) d) East e) North-east 7) If bottle I is exactly between E and O

then in which direction is bottle A with respect to bottle O?

a) North b) North-east c) South-east d) South e) None of these 8) In which direction is bottle U with respect to bottle E? a) South b) South-east c) West d) South-west e) None of these 9) How many such pairs of letters are

there in the word EDITION each of which has as many letters between them in the word as in the English alphabetical series?

a) One b) Two c) Three d) Four e) None of these 10) In a certain code language RIVER is written as LUXOB. How is TEPID written in that code language? a) HWRAF b) HWQAF c) HRNAF d) AFRHW


e) None of these Directions (Q. 11-15): Study the following information carefully and answer the given questions. There are six family members L, M, N, O, P and Q. Each members has a different choice of ice cream, viz Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry, Mango, Kesar-Pista and Peanut butter but not necessarily in the same order. There are two married couples in the family. No female member likes either Vanilla or Kesar-Pista. L is daughter-in-law of Q and likes Strawberry. N is brother of O and son of M, and likes Peanut butter. P is grandmother of O, who does not like Mango. The husband has a choice for Vanilla and his wife likes Chocolate ice cream. 11) How many male members are there in the family? a) Two b) Three c) Four d) Can’t be determined e) None of these 12) Which of the following is true about O? a) Daughter of M b) Son of L c) Brother of Q d) Either brother or sister of P e) None of these 13) How is M related to Q? a) M is sister of Q b) M is son of Q c) M is grandson of Q d) Can’t be determined e) None of these 14) Which of the following combinations of ice cream does one of the couples like? a) Vanilla - Mango b) Kesar-Pista - Peanut butter c) Strawberry- Mango d) Peanut butter- Mango e) None of these 15) Which of the following ice creams does P like? a) Vanilla b) Mango c) Chocolate d) Kesar-Pista e) None of these Directions (Q. 16-20): In each question below are given three statements followed by two conclusions numbered I and II. You have to take the given statements to be true even if they seem to be at variance with commonly known facts and then decide which of the given conclusions logically follows from the given statements, disregarding commonly known facts. Give answer. 16) Statements: All plastics are notes. No note is a coin. Conclusions: I. Some coins are plastics. II. No coin is a note.

a) if only conclusion I follows. b) if only conclusion II follows. c) if either conclusion I or II follows. d) if neither conclusion I nor II follows. e) if both conclusions I and II follow. 17) Statements: No graphic is a picture. Some pictures are figures.

Conclusions: I. Some figures are not graphics. II. Some pictures are graphics. a) if only conclusion I follows. b) if only conclusion II follows. c) if either conclusion I or II follows. d) if neither conclusion I nor II follows. e) if both conclusions I and II follow. 18) Statements: No graphic is a picture. Some pictures are figures.

Conclusions: I. All symbols being pictures is a possibility. II. Some graphics are not picture. a) if only conclusion I follows. b) if only conclusion II follows. c) if either conclusion I or II follows. d) if neither conclusion I nor II follows. e) if both conclusions I and II follow. 19) Statements: Some birds are insects. All birds are butterflies. All insects are snakes.

Conclusions: I. Some snakes are birds. II. Some butterflies are snakes. a) if only conclusion I follows. b) if only conclusion II follows. c) if either conclusion I or II follows. d) if neither conclusion I nor II follows. e) if both conclusions I and II follow. 20) Statements: Some birds are insects. All birds are butterflies. All insects are snakes. Conclusions: I. All butterflies being insects is a possibility. II. All birds being snakes is a possibility. a) if only conclusion I follows. b) if only conclusion II follows. c) if either conclusion I or II follows. d) if neither conclusion I nor II follows. e) if both conclusions I and II follow. 21) There are three ladies L, M and N married to three men P, Q and R. All the men have a different profession while the women have none. L is married to P. M is not married to the CA. N is not married to the teacher. R is not a teacher and P is a lawyer, which of the following statements is correct? a) M is married to R, who is a teacher. b) N is married to R, who is a CA. c) L is married to P, who is a teacher. d) Only b) and c) are correct. e) None of these


22) There are five books J, K, Y, W and X placed on a table. Y is placed just below J, W is placed just above X, and K is placed below Y and X. Which of the following books touches the surface of the table? a) W b) X c) K d) J e) Y Directions (Q. 23-27): Study the following information carefully and answer the given questions. Q, R, S, T, U, V, W and X are eight group captains of different games, viz, Badminton, Volleyball, Cricket, Table-Tennis, Football, Hockey, Kho-Kho and Lawn Tennis, but not necessarily in the same order. There are three female members in the group and four captains are holding PhD degrees. I) X has a PhD degree and is the captain of Volleyball. II) Q is the captain of Cricket. R is the captain of Hockey. III) The one who is the captain of Table Tennis does not have a PhD degree. IV) No female is captain of either Football or Lawn Tennis. V) The captain of Lawn Tennis does not have a PhD degree. VI) W and S are not the captains of either Football or Hockey. VII) S is the captain of a ladies team and U and S have PhD degrees. VIII) R and V are lady captains and are not PhD degree holders. T has a PhD degree and is the captain of the Kho-Kho team. 23) Who is the captain of the Hockey team? a) Q b) R c) S d) T e) None of these 24) Which captain is a female and has a PhD degree? a) R b) T c) S d) V e) None of these 25) Which of the following groups represent the male group of captains who have PhD degrees? a) QTU b) SUX c) UTS d) TUX e) Can’t be determined 26) S is the captain of which of the following games? a) Cricket b) Hockey c) Badminton d) Kho-Kho e) None of these 27) Which of the following combinations is true? a) R- Male- Hockey- PhD b) S- Female- Badminton- PhD

c) T- Male- Cricket- PhD d) W- Male- Lawn Tennis- PhD e) None of these 28) If the expression R ≥ V and P < Q are true, then which of the following symbols should be placed in the blank spaces respectively in the given expression? Q_R≥N=P_V a) >,≥ b) =,> c) ≥,≥ d) >,> e) None of these 29) Which of the following expressions is true, if the given expression is true? E>F≥G=H≤I<J a) E>I b) J>G c) F≥J d) E≥H e) None of these 30) Which of the following symbols should be placed in the blank spaces respectively to make the expression Q>M and P≥M definitely true? M_N_O_P_Q a) <,=,≤,< b) ≥,>,=,> c) =,≥,≥,= d) ≤,=,≤,< e) None of these 31) In the following number sequence, how many such even numbers are there which are exactly divisible by its immediate preceding number but not exactly divisible by its following number? 4 8 5 2 6 8 3 9 4 5 3 9 5 3 2 6 9 2 a) None b) One c) Two d) Three e) None of these

Directions (Q. 32-37): Study the following information carefully and answer the given questions. A, N, M, R, J, V, S and D are eight friends sitting around a circular table. Two of them are not facing the centre. All of them like watches of different brands, viz Maxima, Puma, HMT, Titan, Fastrack, Rado, Quartz and Omega, but not necessarily in the same order. R and M are sitting third and second to the left of A respectively. R and S are neighbours of N, who likes Fastrack. The one who likes Titan sits on the immediate right of N. S is sitting third to the right of A and likes Maxima. D is third to the right of J and likes Quartz. A and D are not the neighbour of that person who likes Rado. V does not like HMT and Titan. The person who likes Omega is sitting opposite J. 32) The person who is sitting second to the left of A likes which of the following watches? a) Maxima b) Puma c) Rado d) Omega


e) None of these 33) Who among the following likes Rado? a) N b) M c) R d) D e) None of these 34) What is the position of V with respect of A? a) Immediate left of A b) Second to the right of A c) Immediate right of A d) Can’t be determined e) None of these 35) If S is on the immediate right of N then by the same logic who among the following sits third to the right of N? a) M b) J c) D d) V e) None of these 36) How many persons sit between the person who likes Maxima and the one who likes HMT (count in clockwise direction starting from HMT)? a) Two b) None c) One d) Three e) None of these 37) Which of the following statements is true? a) M is the neighbour of R and N. b) A likes HMT and faces outside the centre. c) S likes Maxima and does not face the centre. d) All are true e) None of these Directions (Q. 38-40): Each of the questions below consists of a question and two statements numbered I and II given below it. You have to decide whether the data provided in the statements are sufficient to answer the question. Read both the statements and give answer. 38) There are five persons A, B, C, D and E. then B is in which direction with respect to E? I. A is to the west of D and to the north of B and C is to the south of E. II. D is to the north of A and east of E. B is to the west of C and south-east of D. a) if the data in statement I alone are sufficient to answer the question, while the data in statement II alone are not sufficient to answer the question. b) If the data in statement II alone are sufficient to answer the question, while the data in statement I alone are not sufficient to answer the question. c) If the data either in statement I alone or in statement II alone are sufficient to answer the question.

d) If the data given in both the statements I and II together are not sufficient to answer the question; and e) If the data in both the statements I and II together are necessary to answer the question. 39) What is the angle between the two hands of a clock? I. One hour ago the angle between the two hands was 75 degrees and the minute hand was ahead of the hour hand. II. The hour hand is between 9 and 10. a) if the data in statement I alone are sufficient to answer the question, while the data in statement II alone are not sufficient to answer the question. b) If the data in statement II alone are sufficient to answer the question, while the data in statement I alone are not sufficient to answer the question. c) If the data either in statement I alone or in statement II alone are sufficient to answer the question. d) If the data given in both the statements I and II together are not sufficient to answer the question; and e) If the data in both the statements I and II together are necessary to answer the question. 40) Among T, F, L, M and B. Is M uncle to F? I. F is son of T, who is brother of M. L is sister-in-law of M. II. L is mother of F and wife of T, who is son of B, who is father of M and has only two sons. a) If the data in statement I alone are sufficient to answer the question, while the data in statement II alone are not sufficient to answer the question. b) If the data in statement II alone are sufficient to answer the question, while the data in statement I alone are not sufficient to answer the question. c) If the data either in statement I alone or in statement II alone are sufficient to answer the question. d) If the data given in both the statements I and II together are not sufficient to answer the question; and e) If the data in both the statements I and II together are necessary to answer the question. 41) “One day when I was nine years old my father punished me the only time I was ever punished by shutting me in a room alone for a whole day.” – Sarojini Naidu Which of the following inferences can best be drawn from the above statement? a) Sarojini Naidu was stubborn as a child.


b) People realised in Naidu’s lifetime that punishment is no solution to stop a child for rebelling. c) Severe punishment was prevalent during the time of Naidu’s childhood. d) Naidu was transformed by that single day of punishment. e) None of these. 42) “Inadequacy of financial resources is a key constraint to railways following the desired path.” – Railway Minister Mallikarjun Kharge Which of the following courses of action should best be taken? a) Passenger and freight fares should be increased. b) The monopoly of Indian Railways should be abolished. c) Big policy announcements should be made. d) There should be improved ticket checking, and IT should be used to improve ticket sales. e) None of these 43) One-third of India’s GDP slowdown is due to the global slowdown. But the impact on our advanced coastal states has been disproportionately high, and the impact on backward inland states has been disproportionately low. Which of the following statements substantiates the fact expressed in the above statement? a) The coastal states of Odisha and West Bengal are not globalised. b) West Bengal used to be India’s commercial capital at Independence, but has been driven into backwardness by the ruination of its industry by Marxist trade unions. c) The inland states are less globalised and less export-oriented. d) Nothing succeeds like success. e) None of these 44) The appointment of Satya Nadella as the CEO of the iconic Microsoft has given us a reason to take pride in the success of a fellow Indian. Which of the following is the best reason for the abovementioned pride? a) He is Indian by birth. b) He went to ordinary schools and colleges and got to the top on his own merit. c) He remained a nice, normal and humble guy. d) In his success, we see the possibility of our own success. e) Young people are looking for role models to emulate. 45) Party X’s support swell doesn’t seem that evident in Uttar Pradesh, where

the survey gives the party 34 out of 80 seats. Which of the following assumptions is implicit in the above statement? (An assumption is something supposed or taken for granted.) a) Party X is not likely to get as many seats as it did last time. b) Party X is not likely to get as many seats in Uttar Pradesh as it did last time. c) Uttar Pradesh may show contrary results this time. d) Party X is not likely to reach its all-time best. e) Party X is not likely to reach its all-time best in Uttar Pradesh. 46) Existing 3G plans will apply to users who will be migrated to 4G for no extra cost. However, they will have to get a SIM card replacement. Which of the following occasions is most likely to have elicited this statement from the company. a) Voice networks will continue to run on 2G and 3G net. b) The company has launched 4G recently. c) The company has launched 4G services for smartphones. d) 4G network users will be able to download 10 standard movies within 30 minutes. e) None of these 47) How many of us know that televisions, computers and other electronic items contain hazardous material like lead, mercury and cadmium and that they pose serious threat to the environment if buried in a landfill? Which of the following can be concluded from the above statement? a) People should not use televisions and computers. b) Electronic items should be made without using hazardous materials. c) The environment has been endangered from e-waste and is on the verge of crashing. d) There should be proper disposal of electronic items. e) None of these. 48) The biggest mistake people make is buying a life insurance policy every year to save taxes. Which of the following can be best reason for the assertion made in the above statement? a) Such people do not have adequate insurance cover. b) The annual premium becomes huge over a period of time. c) There is a mad rush to make investments to save taxes in the last three months of the financial year.


d) A salaried individual can invest up to Rs. 1lakh and claim tax deduction under Section 80 C of the I-T Act. e) None of these 49) Do tax-free bonds qualify for tax deduction under Section 80C? Well, according to stories doing the rounds, somebody thought they do and bought them. Needless to say, the poor soul realised that tax-free bonds were not meant to save tax under Section 80C, they only offer tax-free interest. Similarly, many bank customers are not aware that the bond they just bought to save tax is actually an insurance policy. Some taxpayers also don’t know that a PPF is a 15-year account. Which of the following inferences can be made in the above situation? a) Investors are unaware of the nitty-gritty of tax-saving instruments. b) Investment consultants often take their clients for a ride. c) There are no bonds that save your taxes in their year of investment. d) PPF allows tax benefits after a period of 15 years. e) None of these 50) Raising tariffs won’t be an easy option since the market is still very competitive and all operators do not have the same high costs of spectrum. Which of the following assumptions is implicit in the above statement? (An assumption is something supposed or taken for granted.)

a) Phone call rates are not likely to go up. b) There are not too many players in the telecom market. c) It costs a lot to buy spectrum. d) Raising telecom tariffs involves prior approval from TRAI. e) None of these

QUANTITATIVE APTITUDE Directions (Q. 51-55): What approximate value should come in place of the question mark (?) in the following question? 51) 724.998 ÷ 24.048 ÷ 14.954 =? a) 8 b) 13 c) 2 d) 10 e) 16 52) (848.999 + 274.052) ÷ 3.0054 =? a) 940 b) 836 c) 184 d) 298 e) 374

53) 3 84900 =? a) 56 b) 44 c) 67 d) 33 e) 21 54) 18.5% of 425 + 16.2% of 388 =? a) 141 b) 224 c) 116 d) 183 e) 215 55) 18.345 × 19.068 × ? = 11538.93375 a) 46 b) 61 c) 27 d) 33 e) 55

Directions (Qs. 56-60): Study the table carefully to answer the questions that follow: Monthly Bill (in Rs.) of landline phone, electricity, laundry and mobile phone and mobile phone paid by three different people in five different months

MONTHLY BILL Month Landline phone Electricity Laundry Mobile phones

Ravi Dev Manu Ravi Dev Manu Ravi Dev Manu Ravi Dev Manu March 234 190 113 145 245 315 93 323 65 144 234 345 April 124 234 321 270 220 135 151 134 35 164 221 325 May 156 432 211 86 150 98 232 442 132 143 532 332 June 87 123 124 124 150 116 213 324 184 245 134 125 July 221 104 156 235 103 131 143 532 143 324 432 543

56) What is the total amount of bill paid by

Dev in the month of June for all the four commodities? a) Rs. 608 b) Rs. 763 c) Rs. 731 d) Rs. 683 e) Rs. 674

57) What is the average electricity bill paid by Manu over all the five months together?

a) Rs. 183 b) Rs. 149 c) Rs. 159 d) Rs. 178 e) Rs. 164

58) What is the difference between the mobile phone bill paid by Ravi in the month of May and the laundry bill paid by Dev in the month of March?

a) Rs. 180 b) Rs. 176 c) Rs. 190 d) Rs. 167 e) Rs. 196 59) In which months respectively did Manu

pay the second highest mobile phone bill and the second lowest electricity bill?

a) April and June b) April and May c) March and June d) March and May


e) July and May 60) What is the respective ratio between

the electricity bill paid by Manu in the month of April and the mobile phone bill paid by Ravi in the month of June?

a) 27 : 49 b) 27 : 65 c) 34 : 49 d) 135 : 184 e) 13 : 24 Directions (Q. 61-65): Study the following pie charts and answer accordingly.

The following pie charts show the percentage registration of different types of Maruti cars

in Delhi in two different years 2010

2011

Total number of registrations in 2010 and 2011

are 4000 and 5000, respectively. 61) The number of SX4 registrations in 2011 was what per cent more/less than that of A-Star in 2010? a) 60% more b) 60% less c) 37.5% less d) 54.5 less e) None of these 62) Which of the following car’s registration in 2011 was/were less than that in 2010? a) Only Alto, Swift and SX4 b) Only Swift and SX4 c) Only SX4, Swift and Estilo d) Only Alto e) None of the above

63) What was the ratio between A-Star registration in 2011 and those of SX4 in 2010? a) 13:56 b) 56:13 c) 8:5 d) 5:8 e) None of these 64) What is the change in the number of cars of company A- star from 2010 – 2011? a) 600 b) 500 c) 550 d) 450 e) None of these 65) Alto’s registration in 2010 was what per cent of registration of Estilo in 2011? a) 74.6% b) 72.72% c) 137.5% d) 81.81% e) None of the above Directions (Q. 66-70): What should come in place of the question make (?) in the following questions? 66) (3)0.2 x (9)0.6 x (27)0.2 = 5 + ?

a) 3 b) 9 c) 4 d) 8 e) 12

67) If 7 = 2.65 then ?55.27

733

a) 11.5 b) 12 c) 14.5 d) 15 e) 16.5

68) 30% of 72

of 92

of 52

of 32

of 9450 = ?

a) 32 b) 36 c) 42 d) 48 e) 52

69) 5?343

11024

1 32

52

a) 65 b) 42 c) 13 d) 21 e) 27

70) {(15)6.5 (15)–1.5 (15)5} – (15)2 =? a) 15 b) 225 c) 3375 d) 3150 e) None of these

Directions (Q.71-75): Study the following information carefully and answer the questions given below: 800 students participated in any one or more events of Essay Writing, Quiz Contest and Painting in a college fest. 20% of students participated only in Quiz contest in which the ratio of boys to girls was 5 : 3 while, 15.625% students participated only in Essay Writing, in which the ratio of boys to girls was 3 : 2, and 22.5% students participated only in Painting, in which the ratio of boys to girls was 5 : 1. 15% students participated in Essay Writing and Painting only, in which the ratio of boys to girls was


2 : 1. 11.25% students participated in Quiz Contest and Painting only, in which the ratio of boys to girls was 5 : 4, 9.375% students participated in Quiz Contest and Essay Writing only in which the ratio of boys to girls was 4 : 1. The ratio of boys to girls who participated in all three events was 7 : 3. Answer the following questions based on the above, information. 71) What is the total number of girls who

participated in only one type of event? a) 120 b) 130 c) 140 d) 150 e) 160

72) What is the number of boys who participated in all three types of event? a) 28 b) 35 c) 42 d) 49 e) 70

73) What is the difference between the total number of boys and the total number of girls who participated in Quiz Contest? a) 105 b) 110 c) 115 d) 120 e) 125

74) What is the percentage of students who participated in Essay Writing? a) 42.25% b) 43.25% c) 44.25% d) 45.25% e) 46.25%

75) The number of girls who participated in Painting is what percentage of the total number of students? a) 12.725% b) 15.625% c) 17.25% d) 18.125% e) 20%

76) Seema and Meena divide a sum of Rs 2,500 in the ratio of 3 : 2 respectively. If Rs 500 is added to each of their shares, what would be the new ratio formed?

a) 2:3 b) 3:4 c) 5:4 d) 4:3 e) None of these 77) Sridhar invests Rs 3,750 m shares,

which is 25% of his monthly income. What is his monthly income?

a) Rs 12,000 b) Rs 15,000 c) Rs 10,000 d) Rs 16,000 e) None of these 78) Find the average of the following set of

scores. 302, 152, 132, 122, 112 a) 184 b) 165 c) 152 d) 176 e) None of these 79) A bus covers a distance of 172 kms in 4

hours. What is the speed of the bus? a) 52 km/hr b) 47 km/hr c) 43 km/hr d) 38 km/hr e) None of these

80) The total number of students in a school is 4800, out of which 60% are girls. What is the total number of boys in this school?

a) 1920 b) 1934 c) 1980 d) 1910 e) None of these Directions (81-85): In the following questions, two equations numbered I and II are given. You have to solve both the equations and give answer

81) I. 7/107/47/4

xx

43x

412

II. y3 + 783 = 999 a) if x > y b) if x y c) if x < y d) if x y e) if x = y or the relationship cannot be established

82) I. 0402x500

II. 0)200(y360 2/1

a) if x > y b) if x y c) if x < y d) if x y e) if x = y or the relationship cannot be established 83) I. (17)2 + 114 18 = x II. (26)2 – 18 X 21 = y a) if x > y b) if x y c) if x < y d) if x y e) if x = y or the relationship cannot be established

84) I. 4914418x II. y2 + 409 = 473 a) if x > y b) if x y c) if x < y d) if x y e) if x = y or the relationship cannot be established

85) I. 0x

5x

II. y3 - 5(3/2) = 0 a) if x > y b) if x y c) if x < y d) if x y e) if x = y or the relationship cannot be established Directions (Q. 86-90): In the following number series only one number is wrong. Find out the wrong number. 86) 529 841 961 1296 1681 1849 2209 a) 1296 b) 841 c) 961 d) 1681 e) None of these 87) 13 14 27 45 68 109 177 a) 27 b) 109 c) 45 d) 68 e) None of these


88) 14 22 34.5 555 87.25 135.875 209.125 a) 55.5 b) 34.5 c) 135.875 d) 8725 e) None of these 89) 274 301 426 769 1498 2824 5026 a) 301 b)426 c)769 d) 2824 e) None of these 90) 4 28 160 990 6970 55832 502560 a) 160 b) 990 c) 55832 d) 6970 e) None of these 91) The owner of a furniture shop charges

his customers 12% more than the cost price. If a customer paid Rs 14,056 for a dining table, what is the cost price of the dining table?

a) Rs. 14,000 b) Rs. 12,500 c) Rs. 13,540 d) Rs. 11,550 e) None of these 92) The difference between 55% of a

number and 25% of the same number is 11.10. What is 75% of that number?

a) 27.75 b) 37 c) 21.25 d) 45 e) None of these 93) The product of two successive numbers

in 1980. Which is the smaller number? a) 34 b) 44 c) 35 d) 45 e) None of these 94) Which of the following smallest number

should be added to 41116 to make it exactly divisible by 8?

a) 8 b) 5 c) 4 d)12 e) None of these

95) The difference between of 43

of 52

of a

number and 54

of 41

of the same

number is 5. What is the number? a) 25 b) 40 c) 45 d) 50 e) None of these Directions (Q. 96-100): Study the following table carefully to answer these questions. Subject Student

Marks obtained out of His. (75)

Geogr (75)

Sci. (120)

Maths (150)

Eng. (80)

Hindi (60)

P 45 53 100 117 50 45 Q 56 58 96 132 46 50 T 48 60 112 120 52 42 D 62 67 88 108 48 34 G 66 55 92 140 60 32 F 54 64 108 116 53 40

96) What is the average percentage of marks obtained by all the students in Science? (Rounded off to two digits after decimal)

a) 99 b) 82.78 c) 88.72 d) 78.88 e) None of these 97) What is the overall percentage of marks

obtained by D, in all subjects? (rounded off to two digits after decimal)

a) 72.88 b) 76.23 c) 73.17 d) 72.68 e) None of these 98) What are the average marks obtained by

all students in English? a) 52.5 b) 51.5 c) 56.38 d) 60.5 e) None of these 99) What is the ratio between total marks

obtained in all subjects by F and G respectively?

a) 87:89 b) 89:87 c) 67:69 d) 69: 67 e) None of these 100) Which student has scored in Maths

closest to the average marks in Maths? a) P b) Q c) T d) F e) None of these

ENGLISH LANGUAGE Directions (Q. 101-115): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it. Certain words have been printed in bold to help you locate them while answering some of the questions. Crude oil has had a long history, and an interesting one. It is probably one single natural resource that has been instrumental in producing maximum conflicts and wars during the last century. With such a track record, it is surprising that in the given environment, wherein oil prices are breaking all records, and has become the biggest cause of concern across the globe, why is it that there is silence from some parts of the world? It is intriguing, especially when some have been paying a much higher price on fuel, as compared to their poorer counterparts. It is surprising, more so, when one realizes that the number of oil-producing nations is only a handful as compared to the number of oil-consuming nations. While a proactive action from the mighty and powerful can bring in a huge respite for the world, why is it that they choose to be silent? Also, keeping in mind the fact that a few nations—both powerful and weak—have some of the largest unused oil reserves, their silence and lack of any serious action look all the more aberrant. Looking at the manner things are shaping up, it just cannot be ruled out that possibly these nations have a


definite interest in the increasing prices of oil. The question then is what could their underlying interest be? In all probability, what we are seeing right now is just a precursor to the larger picture, well laid out by them may be for the good. With rising prices, the OPEC might be delighted right now, but perhaps they are unable to see what is going to hit them. For, this unprecedented rise in oil is creating a most demanding environment for alternative fuels. As and when the reserves deplete and demand really grows, more than anyone else, it is OPEC that would be badly hit, much to the glee of some nations having unused reserves which have the most to gain by using blackmailing tactics. Eventually, the countries at the receiving end would be forced to create an enabling environment for alternative energy. This trend is already visible, with India showing the way with its nuclear deal and other countries dangling the carrot of complete conversion to natural gas towards other countries in order to boost their own business. By doing so, they are creating a tactical pressure on countries. As they know that the further the oil prices get pushed, the more the globe would become attracted and ready for alternative and non-conventional fuel. Moreover, for many of the countries, it might become more expensive to invest in newer technologies to conform to the emission norms than to shift to alternative sources, making the market even more attractive. And it is then that the organisations which have already invested billions of dollars in alternate fuels would mop up the global energy market completely. The second possible reason why some nations of the world are not too enthusiastic to mitigate the price of oil is because the rising oil price is perhaps one of the major deterrents to growth of other countries. Perhaps they were hand in glove in the mechanism to raise the oil price and knowing well that this would make these nations feel the pinch. And now, the rising oil prices have put these nations in a fix. As the pressure of inflationary tendencies increases, these countries cannot afford to sit back and remain entrapped in the larger conspiracy. No wonder then that they are frantically looking around the globe - especially Africa - for newer reserves! As it is said, oil has a long history and the legacy continues. 101) What, according to the passage, is the

step that the nations are likely to take with an intolerable rise in oil prices?

(a) Shift to alternate forms of energy (b) Come to a state of war with other

nations (c) Put tactical pressure on countries having

oil reserves (d) Formulate more stringent emission norms

and apply these across the globe (e) None of these 102) Why is the author surprised with the

stance which various nations have taken

pertaining to the current global oil crisis?

(a) The stance is leading to war among the nations for control over oil fields.

(b) Powerful nations have been selling oil at a very inflated rate to underdeveloped nations.

(c) Many nations have shifted to alternate forms of energy, boycotting the use of oil due to inflated prices.

(d) Even though oil has been a matter of conflict among the nations earlier, many nations have kept a silence on the current crisis.

(e) None of these 103) Which nations does the author refer to

in the words "these nations have a definite interest in the increasing prices of oil"?

(a) The mighty and powerful nations (b) The nations having unused oil reserves (c) The nations which have exhausted their

oil reserves (d) The nations which have shifted to non-

conventional fuels (e) None of these 104) Which of the following is not true in the

context of the passage? (a) Some nations have kept a silence upon

the rising oil price in order to inhibit the growth of other nations.

(b) It is more cost-effective to shift to alternate forms of energy than to invest in technology for conforming to the emission norms

(c) Some nations have unused oil reserves which would earn these nations heavy profits once the oil reserves elsewhere deplete.

(d) India has had a nuclear deal for its energy needs.

(e) All are true 105) What does the author mean by 'dangling

the carrot' in the passage? (a) Some countries are stringently opposing

the conversion to alternate forms of fuel. (b) Some countries have been luring other

countries to change over to alternate fuels in order to boost their own business.

(c) Some countries are making the effort to save environment by using natural gas instead of oil as a fuel.

(d) Both a) and (b) (e) None of these 106) Which of the following is intended in the

given passage? (a) To highlight the plight of OPEC with rising fuel

prices (b) To urge the government to shift from oil

to natural gas since it is more environment- friendly


(c) To highlight the vested interest of some nations in maintaining the indifference to rising oil prices

(d) To urge to save the environment by conforming to the emission norms and using alternate energy sources

(e) None of these 107) Why, according to the author, OPEC,

though delighted currently, would be in a difficult situation later?

(a) All the oil reserves on the earth will soon be exhausted.

(b) Powerful nations will try and dominate OPEC later on.

(c) As the oil reserves which are being used currently deplete in the time to come, nations having unused oil reserves would arm-twist OPEC.

(d) Nations will lose faith in OPEC owing to very high fuel prices.

(e) None of these 108) What, according to the author, makes

the market of alternate sources very attractive?

(a) Many countries have already made a substantial profit in the industry of alternate fuel

(b) Such measures do not cause harm to the environment.

(c) Only a few countries of the world will have the access to alternate forms of fuel.

(d) The use of alternate sources has been forced upon certain countries by powerful countries.

(e) None of these 109) Which of the following can be the most

appropriate title for the given passage? (a) Reasons behind silence on increase in oil

prices (b) Nuclear power as an alternate source of

energy (c) The monopoly of oil reserves by powerful

countries (d) The repercussion of shifting to alternate

form of energy (e) Oil reserves as a deterrent to growth of the

nations 110) Choose the word / group of words which is

most similar in meaning to the word printed in bold as used in the passage.

INSTRUMENTAL (a) Non-vocal (b) Reasonable (c) Creditable (d) Responsible (e) Liable 111) Choose the word / group of words which is

most similar in meaning to the word printed in bold as used in the passage.

ABERRANT (a) Curious (b) Abnormal (c) Spoilt (d) Inferior (e) Nonfunctional

112) Choose the word / group of words which is most similar in meaning to the word printed in bold as used in the passage.

PUSHED (a) Dominated (b) Pressed (c) Diverted (d) Thrown (e) Increased 113) Choose the word/phrase which is most

opposite in meaning to the word printed in bold as used in the passage.

PROACTIVE (a) Quick (b) Overpowered (c) Dormant (d) Delicate (e) Brittle 114) Choose the word/phrase which is most


GLEE (a) Disappointment (b) Dishonour (c) Appreciation (d) Disillusion (e) Defeat 115) Choose the word/phrase which is most


MITIGATE (a) Fright (b) Decline (c) Degeneration (d) Worsen (e) Deprivation Directions (Q. 116-125): Read each sentence to find out whether there is any grammatical error in it. The error, if any, will be in one part of the sentence, and the number of that part will be the answer. If there is no error, mark 5) as the answer. (Ignore errors of punctuation, if any.) 116) The merchant counted (1)/ the number of

pearls (2)/ to make sure that (3)/ none of them were missing. (4)/ No error (5)

(a) 1 (b) 2 (c) 3 (d) 4 (e) 5 117) When deep sea diving, (1)/one should always

take care (2)/that oxygen cylinder is (3)/tied to the back tightly. (4)/ No error. (5)

(a) 1 (b) 2 (c) 3 (d) 4 (e) 5 118) As the salary (1)/did not match (2)/ his

expectations, he did not (3)/ accept the job. (4) /No error (5)

(a) 1 (b) 2 (c) 3 (d) 4 (e) 5 119) The reason behind his success (1)/ in the

recent past (2)/ is due to hard-work (3)/ and presence of mind. (4) No error (5)

(a) 1 (b) 2 (c) 3 (d) 4 (e) 5


120) No sooner did the students (1)/ seen the principal approach (2)/ than they ran (3)/ from the playground. (4)/ No error (5)

(a) 1 (b) 2 (c) 3 (d) 4 (e) 5 121) My elder sister and I am (1)/ interested in

painting (2)/ and therefore have joined (3)/ the coaching classes. (4) No error (5)

(a) 1 (b) 2 (c) 3 (d) 4 (e) 5 122) Only after a lot of persuasion,(1)/ the

illiterate villager allowed (2)/ himself’s girl child (3)/ to study in the school. (4)/ No error. (5)

(a) 1 (b) 2 (c) 3 (d) 4 (e) 5 123) The need for alternate (1/ sources of energy

are (2)/ essential to conserve (3)/ the environment. (4) No error (5)

(a) 1 (b) 2 (c) 3 (d) 4 (e) 5 124) I have being working (1)/ in that

organization for five years (2)/ but now I work (3)/ for a different company (4). No error (5)

(a) 1 (b) 2 (c) 3 (d) 4 (e) 5 125) There is no argument against (1)/ the fact

that (2)/ humans are the most intelligent (3)/ of all other species (4)/ No error (5)

(a) 1 (b) 2 (c) 3 (d) 4 (e) 5 Directions (Q. 126-130): Which of the phrases 1), 2), 3) and 4) given below each statement should replace the phrase printed in bold in the sentence to make it grammatically correct? If the sentence is correct as it is given and *No correction is required', mark 5) as the answer. 126) Many students wait anxiously at the

college gate to know their results. (a) student waited anxiously (b) students waiting anxiously (c) students waited anxiously (d) students waited anxious (e) No correction required 127) Through a fortuitous circumstance Rakhi met

her childhood friend on the bus in which she was travelling.

(a) she was travelled (b) she dad travel (c) she has travelling (d) she were travelling (e) No correction required

128) The opposition party has alleged that the prices of essential commodities are soaring like never before on the last three decades.

(a) before on the next (b) before in the last (c) before at the last (d) previously in the next (e) No correction required 129) The salaries and the perks of the employees

in this institution are not in according with the rest of the industry.

(a) are not in accordance (b) is not in accordance (c) are not according (d) is not on accordance (e) No correction required 130) The soldiers deployed in the town were

instructed to exercising restraint and handle the situation peacefully.

I) was instructed to exercising (b) were instructed for exercise (c) were instructed to exercise (d) was instructing to exercising (e) No correction required Directions (Q. 131-135): Rearrange the following sentences (A), (B), (C), (D), (E) and (F) to make a meaningful paragraph and then answer the questions which follow: (A) The only way in which this problem can be solved is by making artificial blood, which has remained a distant dream for science. (B) Donation of blood is considered to be the most noble of all the charities. (C) If they succeed, it would be noted as one of the most important inventions in the history of mankind. (D) This is because this donated magic potion can give life to another person in an emergency. (E) A group of scientists, however, has dedicated itself towards making this a reality. (F) A growing problem, however, is that the requirement for safe blood is increasing whereas the number of donors is decreasing. 131) Which of the following sentences should

be the FIRST after rearrangement? (a) A (b) B (c) C (d) D (e) E 132) Which of the following sentences should

be the SECOND after rearrangement? (a) A (b) B (c) C (d) D (e) F 133) Which of the following sentence should

be the THIRD after rearrangement? (a) A (b) D (c) C (d) E (e) F 134) Which of the following sentences should

be the FIFTH after rearrangement?


(a) A (b) B (c) C (d) E (e) F 135) Which of the following sentences should

be the SIXTH (LAST) after rearrangement?

(a) A (b) B (c) C (d) D (e) E Directions (Q. 136-140): Each question below has two blanks, each blank indicating that something has been omitted. Choose the set of words for each blank that best fits the meaning of the sentence as a whole. 136) One of the TV cameramen

was_______in the leg by a bullet when he was_______in the middle of a gun fight between two gangs.

(a) hurt, entered (b) shot, caught (c) injured, came (d) stabbed, trapped (e) beaten, engulfed 137) Although the fire was very small,

everyone_______ and rushed out of the cinema all_______ complete chaos.

(a) shouted, leading (b) died, producing (c) injured, resulting (d) scared, making (e) panicked, causing 138) The_______of pesticides and fertilizers

while growing the vegetables and fruits is one of the greatest________ to the health these days.

(a) production, dangers (b) consumption, problem (c) overuse, threats (d) application, rewards (e) amount, injury 139) The group's mission is to________peace

between the nations and help different people_________each other better.

(a) maintain, understand (b) remain, address (c) keep, interact (d) advise, find (e) communicate, friendly 140) History________the kings and

influential leaders whereas the real battle was _______ by the soldiers who remain little known and celebrated in the texts.

(a) remembers, played (b) highlights, underwent (c) biased, lead (d) glorifies, fought (e) writes, done

COMPUTER LANGUAGE 141) OCR stands for ______ (a) Optical character recognition (b) Optical CPU recognition (c) Optimal character rendering (d) Other character restoration (e) None of these 142) If a new device is attached to a

computer, such as a printer or scanner _____must be installed before the device can be used

(a) Buffer (b) Driver (c) Pager (d) Server (e) None of these 143) The software that allows users to surf

the internet is called a/an __________ (a) Search engine (b) Internet service provider (c) Multimedia application (d) Browser (e) None of these 144) A tuple is a (a) Column of a table (b) Two dimensional table (c) Row of a table (d) Key of a table (e) None of these 145) The method of file organization in which

data records in a file are arranged in a specified order according to a key field is known as the

(a) Direct access method (b) Queuing method (c) Predetermined method (d) Sequential access method (e) None of these 146) In Excel _____________ contains one

or more worksheets. (a) Template (b) Workbook (c) Active cell (d) Label (e) None of these 147) Which of the following is a popular

programming language for developing multimedia web pages, websites and web based applications?

(a) COBOL (b) Java (c) BASIC (d) Assembler (e) None of these 148) Compiling creates a(n) __ (a) Program specification (b) Algorithm (c) Executable program (d) Subroutine (e) None of these 149) A CD-RW disk (a) has a faster access than an internal disk (b) Is a form of optical disk, so it can only be

written once (c) Holds less data than a floppy disk (d) can be erased and rewritten (e) none of these


150) The first page of a web site is called the (a) Home page (b) Index (c) Java script (d) Book mark (e) None of these 151) A word in a web page that, when

clicked, opens another document is called

(a) Anchor (b) URL (c) Hyperlink (d) Reference (e) None of these 152) The _____ manual tells you how to use

a software program. (a) Documentation (b) Programming (c) Technical (d) User (e) None of these 153) What disk is used to cold boot a PC? (a) Setup disk (b) System disk (c) Diagnostic disk (d) Program disk (e) None of these 154) The ____________ tells the computer

how to use its components. (a) Utility (b) Network (c) Operating System (d) Application program (e) None of these 155) A ____ contains buttons and menus that

provide quick access to commonly used commands

(a) Menu bar (b) Toolbar (c) Window (d) Action bar (e) None of these 156) Numbers in table columns are usually. (a) right aligned (b) left aligned (c) Justified (d) Centered (e) None of these 157) The ______ of software contains lists of

commands and options. (a) Menu bar (b) Title bar (c) Formula bar (d) Toolbar (e) None of these 158) To access a mainframe or

supercomputer, users often use a ____ (a) Terminal (b) Node (c) Desktop (d) Handheld (e) None of these 159) By default your document is printed in

______ mode. (a) Landscape (b) Portrait (c) Page setup (d) Print view (e) None of these 160) What characteristic of real only memory

(ROM) makes it useful? (a) ROM information can be easily updated. (b) ROM provides very large amounts of

inexpensive data storage (c) Data in ROM is nonvolatile, that is, it

remains there even without electrical power. (d) Rom clips are easily swapped between

different brands of computers. (e) None of these

GENERAL AWARENESS 161) Name the author of the book “2014: The Election That Changed India”: a) Rajdeep Sardesai b) Prabhu Chawla c) Jaswant Singh d) Rajast Sharma 162) Which Indian state got its first rail link on Nov. 29, 2014: a) Nagaland d) Meghalaya c) Tripura b) Mizoram 163) Death anniversary of Dr BR Ambedkar – 6 December is observed as what day: a) Mahaparinirwan Divas b) Samta Diwas c) Dalit Garv Diwas d) Dalit Kalyan Diwas 164) United Nations General Assembly has declared 2015 as the International Year of _______: a) Crops b) Farmers c) Soils d) Farming 165) With which country Andhra Pradesh signed a MoU for development of new capital: a) Singapore b) Hong Kong c) Taiwan d) Japan 166) India’s most prestigious Indian classical music function – The Tansen Sangeet Samaroh was held at which place: a) Gwalior b) Bhopal c) Nagpur d) Amritsar 167) INS Circars, the oldest naval establishment on the Eastern seaboard celebrated its Platinum Jubilee. It is located at which place: a) Chennai b) Kolkata c) Sriharikota d) Visakhapatnam 168) The World Diamond Congress was held in December 2014, a) New Delhi b) Pune c) Mumbai d) Hyderabad 169) The Druzhba – Dosti concept relates to strengthening of the bilateral partnership of India with which country: a) Uzbekistan b) Russia c) Ukraine d) Afghanistan 170) Name the book by Akhil Sharma that has been selected by The New York Times Book Review as one of the ten Best Books of 2014: a) Family Life b) My Family Life c) Life of My Family d) My Family 171) In which country police forcefully ended the more than two month old street demonstration - Occupy Central: a) Taiwan d) Hong Kong c) Macau d) Singapore 172) The 14th Finance Commission submitted its report on December 11 to which authority: a) President of India b) Prime Minister


c) Planning Commission d) Ministry of Finance 173) Who is the head of the 14th Finance Commission: a) B. N. Srikrishna b) Vijay Kelkar c) Y V Reddy d) C Rangarajan 174) The government has decided to decriminalise “attempt to suicide” by deleting which section of the Indian Penal Code: a) 309 b) 420 c) 302 d) 307 175) The first Arabic translation of the Indian Constitution has been launched recently in which country: a) Libya b) Syria c) Iran d) Egypt 176) Which Indian bank has launched two indices to track manufacturing activity and offer forward looking economic trends: a) State Bank of India b) ICICI Bank c) HDFC Bank d) Punjab National Bank 177) Which country has become the 181st member of Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA): a) Nepal b) Bhutan c) Sri Lanka d) Afghanistan 178) Which of the following gulf countries celebrated its National Day on 2 Dec on which day in 1971 seven Emirates got united under one flag to form the country? a) Kuwait b) Saudi Arabia c) UAE d) Oman 179) To promote electronic payments, the Reserve Bank of India has increased the Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) business hours to 12 hours from ________ to _____ on weekdays: a) 8 am, 8 pm b) 6 am, 6 pm c) 7 am, 7 pm d) 8:30 am, 8:30 pm 180) Name the indigenous nuclear-powered submarine that for the first time sailed out for sea-trials on Dec 16: a) INS Arihant b) INS Vikrant c) INS Kolkata d) INS Sindhuratna 181) Who among the following has been named winner of this year's readers' poll for TIME Magazine’s 'Person of the Year'? a) Medicos treating Ebola b) Protesters in Ferguson c) Malala Yousafzai d) Kailash satyarthi 182) Miss World 2014, Rolene Strauss is from which country: a) Australia b) South Africa c) Britain d) Venezuela 183) The 12th Five Year Plan envisages annual economic growth rate of what per cent in the plan period?

a) 7 per cent b) 7.5 per cent c) 8 per cent d) 8.5 per cent 184) National Energy Conservation Day is observed on which date: a) Dec 14 b) Dec 15 c) Dec 16 d) Dec 20 185) In which state around 60 persons lost their eye-sight in an eye camp tragedy? a) Himachal Pradesh b) Punjab c) Haryana d) Chhattisgarh 186) Who is the author of the book ‘In God’s Hands’: a) Robin Williams b) Desmond Tutu c) Dalai Lama d) Nadine Gordimer 187) Name the new chief of the Intelligence Bureau: a) Dineshwar Sharma b) Prakash Mishra c) Rajinder Khanna d) Anil K Sinha 188) Champions Trophy is related to which sports: a) Football b) Cricket c) Tennis d) Hockey 189) Who among the following was appointed as the Lok Sabha Secretary General recently? a) Sumitra Mahajan b) Shivshankar Menon c) Anoop Mishra d) Ranjan Mathai 190) Champions Trophy 2014 was won by which country: a) Germany b) India c) Pakistan d) Holland 191) To which island country India recently supplied drinking water on the request made by its govt. ? a) Lakshadweep b) Mauritius c) Maldives d) Seychelles 192) Champions Trophy 2014 was held at which city in India: a) Kolkata b) Bhubaneswar c) Patna d) Bengaluru 193) The International Civil Aviation Day is annually observed on which date? a) 5 Dec b) 7 Dec c) 9 Dec d) 10 Dec 194) Olof Palme Human Rights Prize is given in which country: a) Sweden b) Norway c) Finland d) Denmark 195) To which country India exported its first off-shore patrol vehicle named ‘CGS Barracuda’? a) Bangla Desh b) Mauritius c) Myanmar d) Iran 196) NASA's Curiosity rover has recently detected Methane on which planet: a) Venus b) Mars c) Jupiter d) Mercury 197) Government has approved the continuation of interest subvention for


short-term crop loans up to Rs _______ to farmers: a) 2 lakh b) 3 lakh c) 5 lakh d) 7 lakh 198) The multinational company Uber was in news recently due to involvement of one of its taxi in a gruesome rape case. The company belongs to which country? a) France b) Britain c) USA d) Singapore 199) Who among the following has been appointed the CEO of the newly formed NITI Aayog? a) Arvind Panagariya b) Sindhushree Khullar c) VK Saraswat d) Bibek Debroy 200) Which state has won the Krishi Karman Award for the year 2013-14 for showing exemplary agri-performance in 14 different categories: a) Arunachal Pradesh b) Uttar Pradesh c) Andhra Pradesh d) Himachal Pradesh

ANSWER KEY

REASONING ABILITY Q. A. Q. A. Q. A. Q. A. Q. A. 1 B 2 D 3 D 4 C 5 E 6 C 7 B 8 D 9 C 10 A

11 C 12 B 13 B 14 C 15 C 16 B 17 A 18 E 19 E 20 E 21 B 22 C 23 B 24 C 25 D 26 C 27 B 28 A 29 B 30 D 31 D 32 D 33 E 34 C 35 D 36 A 37 B 38 B 39 A 40 B 41 C 42 E 43 C 44 D 45 E 46 B 47 D 48 B 49 A 50 A

QUANTITATIVE APTITUDE Q. A. Q. A. Q. A. Q. A. Q. A. 51 C 52 E 53 B 54 A 55 D 56 C 57 C 58 A 59 C 60 A 61 C 62 C 63 E 64 B 65 B 66 C 67 D 68 D 69 C 70 D 71 B 72 D 73 A 74 E 75 C 76 D 77 B 78 E 79 C 80 A 81 D 82 C 83 C 84 E 85 E 86 D 87 A 88 A 89 C 90 B 91 E 92 A 93 B 94 C 95 D 96 A 97 D 98 B 99 A 100 C

ENGLISH LANGUAGE Q. A. Q. A. Q. A. Q. A. Q. A.

101 A 102 D 103 B 104 E 105 B 106 C 107 C 108 E 109 A 110 D 111 B 112 E 113 C 114 A 115 D 116 D 117 A 118 E 119 C 120 B 121 A 122 C 123 B 124 A 125 D 126 C 127 E 128 B 129 A 130 C 131 B 132 D 133 E 134 D 135 C 136 B 137 E 138 C 139 A 140 D

COMPUTER LANGUAGE Q. A. Q. A. Q. A. Q. A. Q. A.

141 A 142 B 143 D 144 C 145 D 146 B 147 B 148 C 149 D 150 A 151 C 152 D 153 B 154 C 155 B 156 A 157 A 158 A 159 B 160 C

GENERAL AWARENESS Q. A. Q. A. Q. A. Q. A. Q. A.

161 A 162 D 163 A 164 C 165 A 166 A 167 D 168 A 169 B 170 A 171 D 172 A 173 C 174 A 175 D 176 A 177 B 178 C 179 A 180 A 181 A 182 B 183 C 184 A 185 B 186 B 187 A 188 D 189 C 190 A 191 C 192 B 193 B 194 A 195 B 196 B 197 B 198 C 199 A 200 B


S S C MODEL TEST PAPER

GENERAL INTELLIGENT &

REASONING 1) In a row, 25 trees are planted at equal distance from each other. The distance between 1st and 25th tree is 30 m. What is the distance between 3rd and 15th tree? (A) 8 m (B) 15 m (C) 16 m (D) 18 m 2) In a class composed of x girls and y boys what part of the class is composed of girls? (A) y (x + y) (B) x/xy (C) x/ (x + y) (D) y/xy 3) If a number is greater than 5 but less than 9 and greater than 7 but less than 11, the number is (A) 5 (B) 6 (C) 7 (D) 8 Directions: In question Nos. 4 & 5 from the given alternative words, select the word which cannot be formed using the letters of the given word: 4) STIMULATION (A) STATION (B) NATION (C) MOTION (D) MOUTH 5) INSTITUTIONALISE (A) NUTRITION (B) INTUTION (C) TUITION (D) INSULATION 6) If MONKO is coded as 57637, then how KLJMN be coded in the same code? (A) 32456 (B) 34256 (C) 35156 (D) 32546 7) In a certain code, TRIPLE is written as SQHOKD. How is DISPOSE written in that code? (A) CHRONRD (B) DSOESPI (C) ESJTPTF (D) ESOPSID 8) Which letter in the word ‘Vertex’ should be changed to mean spiral movement? (A) 1st (B) 2nd (C) 4th (D) Last 9) If TRANSFER is coded as RTNAFSRE, then how ELEPHANT be coded in that code language? (A) LEPEHATN (B) LEPEAHTN (C) LEEPAHTN (D) LEPEAHNT

10) If ‘-’ stands for addition ‘+’ stands for subtraction, ‘’ stands for multiplication and ‘x’ stands for division, then which one of the following equation is correct? (A) 50 x 5 ÷ 2 – 30 + 25 = 25 (B) 50 – 30 + 5 ÷ 2 x 30 = 25 (C) 40 + 35 x 2 – 50 ÷ 30 = 95 (D) 30 x 2 – 25 + 50 ÷ 5 = 100 11) Which of the following interchange of signs would make the equation correct? 8 x 6 + 2 = 22 (A) +, x, 2 and 6 (B) +, x, 2 and 8 (C) +, x, 6 and 8 (D) +, x, 2 and 22 Directions: In Question Nos. 12 and 13 some equations are solved on the basis of certain system. Find out the correct answer for the unsolved equation on that basis. 12) 3 x 5 x 7 x 2 = 24, 2 x 4 x 6 x 8 = 22, 4 x 4 x 8 x 9 = ? (A) 33 (B) 25 (C) 144 (D) 1152 13) 2 x 4 x 6 = 4; 9 x 3 x 7 = 13; 4 x 7 x 6 = 3; 9 x 7 x 8 = ? (A) 10 (B) 09 (C) 08 (D) 07 Directions: In Questions Nos. 14 to 16 find the missing number from the given responses. 14) 2 3 4 ? 3 1 4 2 4 2 2 6 5 5 2 2 196 121 144 225 (A) 4 (B) 5 (C) 6 (D) 3 15) 96 ? 168 32 48 56 16 24 28 (A) 52 (B) 144 (C) 64 (D) 38 16) 7 8 5 6 9 ? 2 3 6 84 216 900 (A) 90 (B) 70 (C) 65 (D) 30


Directions (Q. 17-22): Select the related word/letter/numbers from the given alternatives. 17) AYRRJC : CATTLE : : NCPDCAR : ? (A) SUBJECT (B) NEGLECT (C) PERFECT (D) OPERATE 18) SOCIAL : OCIALS : : DRIVEN : ? (A) VENRID (B) NEVIRD (C) RIVEND (D) VIREND

19) 81

: 641

: : 161

: ?1

(A) 128 (B) 126 (C) 144 (D) 132 20) 29 : 71 : : 79 : ? (A) 120 (B) 192 (C) 197 (D) 131 21) Embarrassed : Humiliated : : Frightened : ? (A) Terrified (B) Agitated (C) Courageous (D) Reckless 22) Macabre : Lovely : : Baneful : ? (A) Unharmful (B) Churlish (C) Filter (D) Ugly Directions: In Question Nos. 23 to 28 find the odd word/letters/numbers from the given alternatives. 23) (A) Autobiography (B) Malayalam (C) Intelligence (D) Dictionary 24) (A) Square (B) Trapezium (C) Cylinder (D) Parallelogram 25) (A) Yacht (B) Submarine (C) Boat (D) Ship 26) (A) Year 2012 (B) Year 1998 (C) Year 2005 (D) Year 1997 27) (A) MIGE (B) XTQO (C) RNKI (D) HDAY 28) (A) 42 : 4 (B) 48 : 6 (C) 32 : 2 (D) 15 : 5 29) Which one of the given responses would be a meaningful order of the following? 1) Absorption 2) Digestion 3) Nutrition 4) Excretion (A) 3, 1, 2, 4 (B) 2, 1, 3, 4 (C) 3, 4, 2, 1 (D) 3, 2, 1, 4 30) Arrange the following words as per order in the dictionary: 1) Euphrasy 2) Eupepsy 3) Euphonic 4) Eugenic 5) Euphony (A) 4, 3, 2, 1, 5 (B) 3, 4, 1, 2, 5 (C) 4, 2, 3, 5, 1 (D) 3, 5, 2, 4, 1 Directions: In Question Nos. 31 to 34, a series is given, with one term missing. Choose the correct alternative from the given ones that will complete the series. 31) 1, 5, 25, 125, ? , ? , ? . (A) 245, 485, 965 (B) 225, 325, 425 (C) 625, 3225, 15605 (D) 625, 3125, 15625 32) 0, ? , 8, 27, 64, 125 (A) 5 (B) 4 (C) 2 (D) 1

33) BMX, DNW, FOU, ? . (A) GHO (B) GPS (C) HPS (D) HPT 34) DHK, GKN, JNQ, ? . (A) MRU (B) MQT (C) LPS (D) NRU 35) Select the alternative inference which is most appropriate. “All professors are learned: learned people are always gentle.” Inference: All professors are gentle persons. (A) The inference is true (B) The inference is false. (C) The inference is probably true or probably false. (D) The inference is irrelevant. 36) Statement is given followed by two inferences I and II. You have to consider the statement to be true even if it seems to be at variance from commonly known facts. You have to decide which of the given inferences, if any, follow from the given statement. Statement: “Electric supply in Anand Colony will be cut tomorrow after 12 O’ clock for three hours because repairing work will be carried out.” Inferences: I. Residents of Anand Colony may use their electrical appliances before 12 O’clock tomorrow. II. Residents of Anand Colony need training for using electricity economically. (A) Only inference I follows. (B) Only inference II follows. (C) Both the inference follow. (D) None of the inferences follows. 37) Anand travels 10 kms from his home to the east to reach his school. Then he travels 5 kms to the south to reach his father’s shop, after school. He then travels 10 kms to the west to help his uncle. How far and in which direction is he from his home? (A) 10 kms North (B) 5 kms South (C) 5 kms East (D) 10 kms West 38) Four villages A, B, C and D lie in a straight line. D is 10 kms from B. A is exactly between D and C and C from B is 2 kms more than it is from D. How far is C from B? (A) 4 kms (B) 6 kms (C) 8 kms (D) 2 kms 39) If you were born on 20th May, 1996, which

was a Monday On what day of the week will your birth day fall 1997? (A) Sunday (B) Monday (C) Friday (D) Tuesday

40) Deepa met Sonam on 28th August, 2008 which was a Thursday and promised to meet her again in the month of December in the next year but only on a Saturday On which of the following days could Deepa meet Sonam? (A) 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th (B) 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th (C) 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th (D) 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th

41) 8. 14 : 9 : : 26 : ? (A) 12 (B) 13 (C) 15 (D) 31


42-46): Study the figure given below carefully and answer the questions that follow:

42) Which number belongs to all the figures?

(A) 3 (B) 4 (C) 6 (D) None of these

43) What is the sum of the numbers which belong to two figures only? (A) 6 (B) 15 (C) 20 (D) None of these

44) What is the product of the numbers which belong to three figures only? (A) 27 (B) 162 (C) 648 (D) None of these

45) What is the sum of the numbers which belong to one figure only? (A) 5 (B) 16 (C) 21 (D) None of these

46) What is the product of the numbers which belong to two figures only? (A) 64 (B) 192 (C) 384 (D) None of these

47) How many triangles are there in the following figure?

(A) 10 (B) 11 (C) 12 (D) 13 Directions (Qs. 48-49): A cube is painted blue on all faces and is then cut into 125 cubes of equal size. Answer the following questions based on this statement. 48) How many cubes are not painted on any face? (A) 8 (B) 16 (C) 27 (D) 36 49) How many cubes are painted on one face

only? (A) 16 (B) 32 (C) 48 (D) 54 50) A word is represented by only one set of numbers as given in any one of the alternatives. The sets of numbers given in the alternatives are represented by two classes of

alphabets as in two matrices given below. The columns and rows of matrix I are numbered from 0 to 4 and 2 to 6 respectively and that of Matrix II are numbered from 2 to 6 and 7 to 0 respectively. A letter from these matrices can be represented first by its row and next by its column, e.g. ‘H’ can be represented by 04, 25, 32, etc., and ‘N’ can be represented by 21, 40, 59, etc. Similarly, you have to identify the set for the word given below: YEAR Matrix – I Matrix – II 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 0 0 Y A H M J 2 E R V N O 1 M J H A Y 3 V N O E R 2 A Y J H M 4 O E R V N 3 H J Y M A 5 R V N O E 4 J M A Y H 6 N O E R V (A) 23, 27, 15, 61 (B) 16, 38, 15, 30 (C) 34, 31, 32, 28 (D) 45, 50, 36, 29

GENERAL AWARENESS 51) The process of improving the quality of rubber by heating it with sulphur is called (A) Vulcanization (B) Acceleration (C) Sulphonation (D) Galvanization 52) Which source has been particularly fruitful in finding novel anti-tumour agents such as bryostatins and dolostatins? (A) Marine sources (B) Animals (C) Venoms and toxins (D) Combinatorial chemistry 53) The pollutant responsible for ozone holes is ___________. (A) CO2 (B) SO2 (C) CO (D) CFC 54) One of the best solutions to get rid of non- biodegradable wastes is (A) Burning (B) Dumping (C) Burying (D) Recycling 55) Vermicomposting is done by (A) Fungus (B) Bacteria (C) Worms (D) Animals 56) If waste materials contaminate the source of drinking water, which of the following diseases will spread? (A) Scurvy (B) Typhoid (C) Malaria (D) Anaemia 57) India exports power to _______. (A) Bangladesh (B) Myanmar (C) Pakistan (D) Bhutan 58) The alkaloid naturally found in coffee, cocoa and cola nut is (A) Cocaine (B) Morphine (C) Tannin (D) Caffeine 59) The metal used for making aircrafts and rockets is (A) Lead (B) Aluminium (C) Nickel (D) Copper


60) The first woman President of Indian National Congress was (A) Kamala Devi Chattopadhyaya (B) Sarojini Naidu (C) Annie Besant (D) Rajkumari Amrit Kaur 61) Which State is the largest producer of pulses in India? (A) Bihar (B) Rajasthan (C) Madhya Pradesh (D) Maharashtra 62) In India, woman had never been a Chief Minister in the State of (A) Tamil Nadu (B) Rajasthan (C) Uttar Pradesh (D) Maharashtra 63) Which of the following is not noble gas? (A) Hydrogen (B) Helium (C) Neon (D) Argon 64) Sunda Trench is in (A) Indian Ocean (B) Pacific Ocean (C) Atlantic Ocean (D) Gulf of Mexico 65) Which of the following is an organic rock? (A) Marble (B) Coal (C) Granite (D) Slate 66) Who among the following has written the famous book ‘Malgudi Days’? (A) V.S. Naipaul (B) Deepak Chopra (C) Rabindranath Tagore (D) R.K. Narayan 67) British Crown assumed sovereignty over India from the East India Company in the year (A) 1857 (B) 1858 (C) 1859 (D) 1860 68) Which vein brings clean blood from the lungs into the heart? (A) Renal Vein (B) Pulmonary Vein (C) Vena Cava (D) Hepatic Vein 69) Over short period, when income rises, average propensity to consume usually (A) rises (B) falls (C) remains constant (D) fluctuates 70) Average propensity to consume is defined as (A) Aggregate consumption ÷ Total population (B) Aggregate income ÷ Aggregate consumption (C) Change in consumption ÷ Change in income (D) Aggregate consumption ÷ Aggregate income 71) In short run, if a competitive firm incurs losses, it will (A) stop production. (B) continue to produce as long as it can covers its variable costs. (C) raise price of its product. (D) go for advertising campaign. 72) Which one of the following is the specific feature of the single member constituency system? (A) The system is economical for representatives. (B) Gerrymandering is not possible in this system. (C) It secures a stable majority in the legislature. (D) The candidate has to spend less on electioneering. 73) Which of the following relations always holds true? (A) Income = Consumption + Investment

(B) Income = Consumption + Saving (C) Saving = Investment (D) Income = Consumption + Saving + Investment 74) The Keynesian consumption function shows a relation between (A) aggregate consumption and total population. (B) aggregate consumption and general price level. (C) aggregate consumption and aggregate income. (D) aggregate consumption and interest rate 75) Who has called the Prime Minister primus inter pares (first among equals)? (A) Morely (B) Harcourt (C) Laski (D) Lowell 76) ‘There are no politics devoid of religion’ is stated by (A) Nehru (B) Gandhi (C) Vinoba Bhave (D) Jaya Prakash Narayan 77) In which Rock Edict Ashoka mentions about the casualities of Kalinga War and declares the renunciation of war? (A) Maski Edict (B) Rock Edict XIII (C) Rock Edict XI (D) Rock Edict X 78) Akbar held his religious discussion in (A) Jodhabi’s Palace (B) Panch Mahal (C) Ibadat Khana (D) Buland Darwaza 79) Who succeeded Guru Nanak? (A) Guru Angad (B) Guru Ramdas (C) Guru Arjan (D) Guru Hargobind 80) The Earliest Settlements of Aryan tribes were at (A) Uttar Pradesh (B) Bengal (C) Sapta Sindhu (D) Delhi 81) Who said, “Adolf Hitler is Germany and Germany is Adolf Hitler. He who pledges himself to Hitler pledges himself to Germany”? (A) R. Hess (B) Mussolini (C) Hitler (D) Communist International 82) Who speaks of Cabinet system as “the steering wheel of the ship of State”? (A) Lowell (B) Muir (C) Marriot (D) Bagehot 83) Spot the odd item in the following: (A) Basalt (B) Ruby (C) Emerald (D) Sapphire 84) What is farming along with animal husbandry called? (A) Mixed farming (B) Mixed agriculture (C) Dairy farming (D) Truck farming 85) Hydraulic Action is a type of erosion caused by (A) Running water (B) Wind (C) Glacier (D) None of these 86) Which of the following is the newest geological era? (A) Permian (B) Triassic (C) Cretaceous (D) Jurassic 87) The plant from which cocoa and chocolate are obtained is a (A) herb (B) shrub (C) small tree (D) very big tree


88) The biggest single-celled organism is (a) Yeast (B)) Acetabularia (C) Acetobacter (D) Amoeba 89) Crescograph was invented by (A) S. N. Bose (B) P.C. Roy (C) J.C. Bose (D) P.C. Mahalanobis 90) Foramen Magnum is an aperture found in the (A) Ear (B) Lung (C) Girdle (D) Skull 91) Who betrayed Siraj-ud-Daula in the Battle of Plassey in 1757? (A) Hyder Ali (B) Mir Qasim (C) Mir Jaffar (D) Nawab of Oudh 92) ‘Kelp’ is (A) Sulphide Mineral of iron (B) Partially decomposed vegetation (C) Sea weed rich in iodine content (D) An aluminium silicate mineral 93) The colours of stars depend on their (A) temperature (B) distance (C) radius (D) atmospheric pressure 94) Light from the Sun reaches us in nearly (A) 8 min. (B) 2 min. (C) 6 min. (D) 4 min. 95) Radar is used to (A) locate submerged submarines. (B) receive signal from radio receivers. (C) detect and locate distant objects. (D) locate geostationary satellites. 96) Optical fibre works on the principle of (A) refraction (B) scattering (C) interference (D) total internal reflection 97) Which application in Microsoft Office is feasible for preparing presentations? (A) Microsoft Excel (B) Microsoft Word (C) Microsoft PowerPoint (D) Microsoft Publishers 98) The language which was used to build Internet Pages in the beginning of Internet Technology is (A) XML (B) HTML (C) DHTML (D) ASP 99) Name the branch of Zoology that deals with the scientific study of animal behavior. (A) Ecology (B) Physiology (C) Ethology (D) Anatomy 100) ‘Barr body’ is found in (A) Sperm (B) Sertoli cells (C) Female somatic cells (D) Male somatic cells

QUANTITATIVE APTITUDE

101) The value of (3+2 2 )-3 + (3-2 2 )-3 is (A) 198 (B) 180 (C) 108 (D) 189 102) ‘O’ is the centre of the circle, AB is a chord of the circle, OM AB. If AB = 20 cm, OM = 2

11 cm, then radius of the circle is (A) 15 cm (B) 12 cm (C) 10 cm (D) 11 cm 103) If the angles of a triangle ABC are in the ratio 2 : 3 : 1, then the angels A, B, C is (A) A = 600, B = 900, C = 300

(B) A = 400, B = 1200, C = 200 (C) A = 200, B = 600, C = 600

(D) A = 450, B = 900, C = 450

104) In ABC, ABC = 700, BCA = 400, O is the point of intersection of the perpendicular bisectors of the sides, then the angle BOC is (A) 1000 (B) 1200 (C) 1300 (D) 1400

105) If the measures of the sides of triangle are (x2

- 1), (x2 + 1) and 2x cm, then the triangle would be (A) equilateral (B) acute-angled (C) isosceles (D) right-angled 106) 2x = 4y = 8z and xyz = 288, then value of

zyx 8

141

21

is

(A) 1211

(B) 9611

(C) 9629

(D) 9627

107) If x4+ 4

1x

=199 & x > 1, then find the positive

value of x3 - 3

1x

(A) 25 (B) 27 (C) 36 (D) 49 108) A, B, C are three points on the circumference

of a circle and if 25 ACAB cm and BAC = 900, find the radius. (A) 10 cm (B) 5 cm (C) 20 cm (D) 15 cm

109) The value of sin2 300 cos2 450 + 5 tan2 300 + 23

sin2 900 – 3 cos2 900 is

(A) 2473 (B)

2433

(C) 2413 (D)

2453


110) If cos2 - sin2 = 31

, when 0 2

, then the

value of cos4 - sin4 is

(A) 31

(B) 32

(C) 91

(D) 92

111) If tan = 111

and 0 < < 2

, then the value

of

22

22

seccosseccos

ecec

is

(A) 43

(B) 54

(C) 65

(D) 76

112) If angle bisector of a triangle bisect the opposite side, then what type of triangle is? (A) Right angled (B) Scalene (C) Similar (D) Isosceles 113) If each angle of a triangle is less than the sum of the other two, then the triangle is (A) obtuse angled (B) right angled (C) acute angled (D) equilateral 114) A can complete a work in ‘m’ days and B can complete it in ‘n’ days. How many days will it take to complete the work if both A and B work together?

(A) (m + n) days (B) daysnm

11

(C) daysmn

nm

(D) daysnm

mn

115) Pipe A is an inlet pipe filling the tank at 8000 l/hr. Pipe B empties the tank in 3 hours. The capacity of the tank is (A) 12000 litre (B) 8000 litre (C) 6000 litre (D) 4000 litre 116) A tap drips at a rate of one drop/sec. 600 drops make 100 ml. The number of litres wasted in 300 days is (A) 4320000 (B) 432000 (C) 43200 (D) 4320 117) ABC is a right angled triangle. B being the right angle. Mid-points of BC and AC are respectively B’ and A’. Area of A’B’C is

(A) 21

area of ABC (B) 32

area of ABC

(C) 41

area of ABC (D) 81

area of ABC

118) Three numbers are in the ratio 1 : 2 : 3 and their HCF is 12. The numbers are (A) 12, 24, 36 (B) 5, 10, 15 (C) 4, 8, 12 (D) 10, 20, 30

119) If x[-2{-4(-a)}] + 5[-2{-2(-a)}] = 4a, then x = (A) – 2 (B) – 3 (C) – 4 (D) – 5 120) The list price of a shirt is Rs. 440 and a customer pays Rs. 396 for it. The discount rate is (A) 10% (B) 10.5 % (C) 20% (D) 12% 121) A plate was sold for RS. 6,300 after giving two successive discounts of 12.5 % and 10%. Find the marked price. (A) Rs. 7,300 (B) Rs. 7,700 (C) RS. 8,000 (D) 7,250 122) To attract more visitors, Zoo authority announces 20% discount on every ticket which costs 25p. For this reason, sale of ticket increases by 28%. Find the percentage of increase in the number of visitors. (A) 40% (B) 50% (C) 60% (D) No change 123) Which of the following represents a correct proportion? (A) 12 : 9 = 16 : 12 (B) 13 : 11 = 5 : 4 (C) 30 : 45 = 13 : 24 (D) 3 : 5 = 2 : 5 124) A sphere is cut into two hemispheres. One of them is used as bowl. It takes 8 bowlfuls of this to fill a conical vessel of height 12 cm and radius 6 cm. The radius of the sphere (in centimetre) will be (A) 3 (B) 2 (C) 4 (D) 6 125) The perimeters of a circle, a square and an equilateral triangle are same and their areas are C, S and T respectively. Which of the following statement is true? (A) C = S = T (B) C > S > T (C) C < S < T (D) S < C < T 126) In two successive years, 80 and 60 students of a school appeared at the final examination of which 60% and 80% passed respectively. The average rate of students passed (in percent) is

(A) 68% (B) %7468

(C) 70% (D) %7372

127) Nisha bought a number of oranges at 2 for a rupee and an equal number at 3 for a rupee. To make a profit of 20% she should sell a dozen for (A) Rs. 6 (B) Rs. 8 (C) Rs. 10 (D) Rs. 12 128) If A’s salary is 50% more than that of B, then B’s salary is less than A’s by

(A) 33% (B) %3140

(C) %3145 (D) %

3133


129) A and B are 20 km apart. A can walk at an average speed of 4 km/hour and B at 6 km/hr. If they start walking towards each other at 7 a.m., when they will meet? (A) 8.00 a.m. (B) 8.30 a.m. (C) 9.00 a.m. (D) 10.00 a.m. 130) A policeman starts to chase a thief. When the thief goes 10 steps the policeman moves 8 steps. 5 steps of the policeman is equal to 7 steps of the thief. The ratio of the speeds of the policeman and the thief is (A) 25 : 28 (B) 25 : 56 (C) 28 : 25 (D) 56 : 25 131) In a Mathematics examination the numbers scored by 5 candidates are 5 successive odd integers. If their total marks is 185, the highest score is (A) 39 (B) 43 (C) 41 (D) 37 132) The graphs of x = a and y = b interest at (A) (a, b) (B) (b, a) (C) (-a, b) (D) (a, -b) 133) What is the value of

?

)149149941941()149941()149941( 22

(A) 10 (B) 2 (C) 1 (D) 100

134) If x+x1

=5, then x6+ 6

1x

is

(A) 12098 (B) 12048 (C) 14062 (D) 12092

135) If 223

3 55555 a , then the value of a

is (A) 4 (B) 5 (C) 6 (D) 8 136) If x2-3x+1=0, then the value of

3

246 1x

xxx will be

(A) 18 (B) 15 (C) 21 (D) 30 137) A boat goes 24 km upstream and 28 km downstream in 6 hours. It goes 30 km upstream and 21 km downstream in 6 hours and 30 minutes. The speed of the boat in still water is (A) 8 km/hr (B) 9 km/hr (C) 12 km/hr (D) 10 km/hr 138) The compound interest on a certain sum of money for 2 years at 5% per annum is Rs. 410. The simple interest on the same sum at the same rate and for the same time is (A) Rs. 400 (B) Rs. 300 (C) Rs. 350 (D) Rs. 405 139) If a cos + b sin = p and a sin - b cos = q, then the relation between a, b, p & q is (A) a2 – b2 = p2 – q2 (B) a2 + b2 =p2 + q2

(C) a + b = p + q (D) a – b = p – q 140) From a point P on the ground the angle of elevation of the top of a 10 m tall building is 300. A flag is hoisted at the top of the building and the angle of elevation of the top of the flagstaff from P is 450. Find the length of the

flagstaff. (Take 3 =1.732)

(A) 10 m)23( (B) 10 m)13(

(C) 10 3 (D) 7.32 m

141) The value of 6

sec3

cot4

cos6

sin2

1

2sin12

4tan5

is equal to

(A) 0 (B) 1

(C) 2 (D) 23

142) If sin =53

, then the value of

eccoscotcostan

is equal to

(A) 6029

(B) 6031

(C) 6034

(D) 6037

143) 60 students were asked to choose their favourite sport. Their distribution is as follows: Football – 15 Cricket – 12 Swimming – 12 Basketball – 11 Athletics – 10 The data is illustrated in a Pie Chart. What angle should be used for football? (A) 150 (B) 600

(C) 900 (D) 1800 144) If in a triangle ABC as drawn in the figure, AB = AC and ACD = 1200, then, A is equal to

(A) 500 (B) 600

(C) 700 (D) 800


Study the graph and answer Question Nos. 145 to 150:

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

Sale

s in

lakh

bot

tles

1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993

Years

SalesCool-sip Pep-up Dew-drop

145) In which year the sale of cool-sip is minimum? (A) 1990 (B) 1992 (C) 1993 (D) None of the above 146) In case of which soft drink was the average annual sale maximum during the period 1988 – 1993? (A) Pep-up only (B) Pep-up and Dew-drop (C) Cool-sip only (D) Cool-sip and Pep-up 147) What was the approximate percent drop in the sale of Pep-up in 1990 over its sale in 1989? (A) 5 (B) 14 (C) 12 (D) 20 148) What was the approximate percent increase in sales of Cool-sip in 1990 over its sales in 1989? (A) 100 (B) 50 (C) 171 (D) 150 149) In which year sale of Dew-drop is maximum? (A) 1988 (B) 1992 (C) 1989 (D) 1993 150) In case of which soft drink was the average annual sale minimum during the period 1988- 1993? (A) Pep-up only (B) Cool-sip only (C) Dew-drop only (D) Dew-drop and Cool-sip

ENGLISH COMPREHENSION Directions: In Question Nos. 151 and 152, four words are given in each question, out of which only one word is correctly spelt. Find the correctly spelt word and mark you answer in the Answer sheet. 151) (A) Camouflage (B) Camaflouge (C) Cemouflege (D) Cemouflage 152) (A) Accessible (B) Akcessible (C) Accesseble (D) Accesible Directions: In Question Nos. 153 to 162, you have two brief passages with 5 questions following each passage. Read the passages carefully and choose the best answer to each question out of the four alternatives and mark it by blackening the appropriate oval [] in the Answer Sheet.

Passage – 1 (Q. Nos. 153 – 157) The Critical Faculty is the most potent one in the human make-up. Its pervasiveness and force have not properly been recognized because like breathing, it is so much a part and parcel of human activity. The difference between a simpleton and an intelligent man, according to the man who is convinced that he is of the latter category, is that the former wholeheartedly accepts all things that he sees and hears while the latter never admits anything except after a most searching scrutiny. He imagines his intelligence to be a sieve of closely woven mesh through which nothing but the finest can pass. The critical sense is essential for keeping social transactions in a warm state. Otherwise life would become very dull and goody-goody. The critical faculty is responsible for a lot of give and take in life. It increases our awareness of our surroundings; it sounds dignified no doubt, but it seems also to mean that we can watch someone else’s back better than our own! We never know our own defects till they are pointed out to us, and even then we need not accept them. We always question the bonafides of the man who tells us unpleasant facts. On the surface it is all very well to say, ‘I want an honest criticism; that will help me, not blind compliments.’ I wish people would mean it. 153) The self-defined intelligent man defines himself on the basis of (A) his obvious divergence from the simpleton. (B) his superior intelligence as a whole. (C) his possession of the critical faculty. (D) his heightened awareness of his surroundings. 154) The negative side of the critical faculty is that (A) it makes us critical of others. (B) it makes us critical of ourselves. (C) it sounds dignified but it is not actually so. (D) it is a tool for creating classificatory division. 155) People who solicit others’ opinions (about themselves) generally want (A) effusive compliments. (B) honest criticism. (C) harsh facts. (D) precise feedback. 156) The critical faculty is defined as the ‘most potent one in human make-up’ because (A) it is all pervasive and powerful.


(B) it separates the simpleton from the intelligent man. (C) it is a help in social transactions. (D) All of the above 157) What, according to the writer, is the essential link between breathing and the critical faculty? (A) Both are required in social relations (B) Both are exercised by human beings (C) Both grow with age (D) Both stop with death

Passage – II (Q. Nos. 158 – 162) International trade represents a significant share of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). While international trade has been present throughout much of history, its economic, social and political importance has been on the rise in recent centuries. Industrialization, advances in technology, transportation, globalization, multinational corporations, and outsourcing are all having a major impact on the international trade system. Increasing international trade is crucial to the continuance of globalization. International trade is, in principle, not different from domestic as the motivation and the behavior of parties involved in a trade do not change fundamentally regardless of whether trade is across a border or not. The main difference is that international trade is typically more costly than domestic trade. Another difference between domestic and international trade is that factors of production such as capital and labour are typically more mobile within a country than across countries. 158) What is the main difference between international and domestic trade? (A) One is more significant than the other (B) One is more costly than the other (C) One is more advanced than the other (D) One is more crucial than the other 159) Which of the following is one of the factors of production? (A) Capital (B) Cost (C) Profit (D) Loss 160) What is the synonym of ‘mobile’? (a) Versatile (B) Moveable (C) Changeable (D) Transferable 161) Which one of the following has a major impact on international trade? (A) Contribution to GDP (B) Industrialization (C) Outsourcing (D) Domestic trade 162) According to the author, increasing international trade (A) brings about speedy industrialization. (B) uplifts technology and transportation. (C) is crucial to the continuance of globalization. (D) encourages multinational corporations. Directions: In Question Nos. 163 to 167, some parts of the sentences have errors and some are correct. Find out which part of a sentence has an error and blacken the oval [] corresponding to the appropriate letter (A, B, C). If a sentence is free from

error, blacken the oval corresponding to (D) in the Answer Sheet. 163) One of the most / widely spread / (A) (B) bad habit is the use of tobacco. / No error (C) (D) 164) A chill wind blew / and icy fingers of death / (A) (B) crept up my spine. / No error (C) (D) 165) Such rules / do not apply to / you and I. / No error (A) (B) (C) (D) 166) The river / has overflown / its banks. / No error (A) (B) (C) (D) 167) IIM Calcatta’s MBA programme / is regarded / as the (A) (B) finest in the country. / No error (C) (D) Directions: In Question Nos. 168 to 172 sentences are given with blanks to be filled in with an appropriate word(s). Four alternatives are suggested for each question. Choose the correct alternative out of the four and indicate it by blackening the appropriate oval [] in the Answer Sheet. 168) Would you mind _____ the suitcase, Sir? (a) open (B) opening (C) to open (D) opened 169) When she parted ______ her parents, her eyes were full of tears. (A) from (B) away (C) off (D) with 170) He went ______ to oblige his superior. (A) on his way (B) out of his way (C) in his way (D) with his way 171) During a period of protracted illness, the sick can become infirm, _______ both the strength to work and many of the specific skills that were once possessed. (A) regaining (B) denying (C) pursuing (D) losing 172) The members of the religious sect ostracized the ______ who had abandoned their faith. (A) coward (B) litigant (C) recreant (D) suppliant Directions: In Question Nos. 173 to 175 out of the alternatives, choose the one which best expresses the meaning of the given word and mark it in the Answer Sheet. 173) Amicable (A) Friendly (B) Happy (C) Perfect (D) Joyous


174) Impervious (A) Audacious (B) Haphazard (C) Impenetrable (D) Illogical 175) Peruse (A) Overuse (B) Examine (C) Abuse (D) Defuse Directions: In Question Nos. 176 to 178, choose the word opposite in meaning to the given word and mark it in the Answer Sheet. 176) Particularly (A) Elaborately (B) Generally (C) Comprehensively (D) Entirely 177) Desecration (A) Hopelessness (B) Disbelief (C) Veneration (D) Manifestation 178) Yield (A) Respond (B) Survive (C) Attack (D) Resist Directions: In Question Nos. 179 to 183, four alternatives are given for the Idiom/Phrase underlined in the sentence. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the Idiom/Phrase and mark it in the Answer Sheet. 179) My efforts at pest control went in vain, I have to go back to the drawing board. (A) plan it all over again (B) take professional help (C) spend some time researching abroad (D) work at night 180) Indians are going places in the field of software technology. (A) going abroad (B) going to spaces (C) talented and successful (D) friendly and amicable 181) She is a person who pulls no punches. (A) speaks politely (B) speaks frankly (C) speaks rudely (D) speaks sweetly 182) For any group work to be successful, it is important that everyone is on the same page. (A) present for the meeting (B) registered for the work (C) willing to pay the same fees (D) thinks in a similar way 183) Our plan to go to London is in the air. (A) undecided (B) certain (C) under consideration (D) for approval Directions: In Question Nos. 184 to 193, a sentence/ a part of the sentence is underlined. Below are given alternatives to the underlined part at (A), (B), (C) which may improve the sentence. Choose the correct alternative. In case no improvement is needed, your answer is (D). Mark your answer in the Answer Sheet. 184) Your previous project was only failed because you did not persevere yourself in it. (A) failed only because you did not persevere.

(B) failed only because you did not persevere for it. (C) only failed because you did not persevere. (D) No improvement 185) This crime makes a man liable for transportation till his life. (A) to transportation to life (B) for transportation for life (C) to transportation for life (D) No improvement 186) I don’t think many people will be able to attend the meeting tomorrow. I, but for one, have to be in Chennai. (A) so for one (B) rather for one (C) for one (D) No improvement 187) My visits to my family are a few and far between. (A) few and a far between (B) few and far between (C) few or far between (D) No improvement 188) Their friendship will not last through long time. (A) last through a long time. (B) last through (C) last long (D) No improvement 189) All these articles are kept in a tin box to prevent from spoiling of damp in rainy season. (A) prevent them from spoiling by damp (B) prevent them being spoiled by damp (C) prevent them from spoiling of damp (D) No improvement 190) Although other parts the world 20 per cent of the farm area is owned by women, in India women own less than 7 per cent. (A) If in other parts of (B) However some parts of (C) While in other parts of (D) No improvement 191) I had more sympathy with you, my friend. (A) have more sympathy (B) have much sympathy (C) had much sympathy (D) No improvement 192) The bank manager was given a holiday and so he resolved to go for hitch-hiking. (A) with hitch-hiking (B) for the hitch-hiking (C) hitch-hiking (D) No improvement 193) Our big iron gate jingles on its hinges as it is opened. (A) clangs (B) grates (C) bangs (D) No improvement Directions: In Question Nos. 194 to 200, out of the four alternatives, choose the one which can be substituted for the given words/sentences and indicate in by blackening the appropriate oval [] in the Answer Sheet. 194) A part of a word that can be pronounced separately (A) Particle (B) Sibilant (C) Syllable (D) Letter 195) Passing out of use (A) Adolescent (B) Reticent (C) Translucent (D) Obsolescent


196) A drink usually made from a mixture of one or more alcoholic drinks (A) Cocktail (B) Mocktail (C) Liquor (D) Bisque 197) Affecting or relating to cows (A) feline (B) Bovine (C) Ovine (D) Vulpine 198) Something that might happen in the future (A) Contingency (B) Insurance (C) Emergency (D) Prophecy 199) A special fondness or liking for (A) Propensity (B) Inclination (C) Penchant (D) Preoccupation 200) Relating to kinship with the father (A) Patrilineal (B) Fratrilineal (C) Matrilineal (D) Familial

Answer Key

GENERAL INTELLIGENT & REASONING

Q. A. Q. A. Q. A. Q. A. Q. A. 1 B 2 C 3 D 4 D 5 A 6 B 7 A 8 A 9 B 10 A

11 C 12 A 13 A 14 B 15 B 16 D 17 C 18 C 19 A 20 D 21 C 22 D 23 B 24 C 25 B 26 A 27 A 28 A 29 C 30 C 31 D 32 D 33 D 34 B 35 A 36 A 37 B 38 B 39 D 40 D 41 C 42 D 43 C 44 A 45 C 46 C 47 B 48 C 49 D 50 A

GENERAL AWARENESS

Q. A. Q. A. Q. A. Q. A. Q. A. 51 A 52 A 53 D 54 D 55 C 56 B 57 A 58 D 59 B 60 C 61 C 62 D 63 A 64 A 65 B 66 D 67 B 68 B 69 A 70 D 71 A 72 A 73 B 74 C 75 A 76 C 77 C 78 C 79 A 80 C 81 C 82 C 83 A 84 A 85 A 86 A 87 A 88 D 89 C 90 D 91 C 92 C 93 A 94 A 95 D 96 D 97 C 98 B 99 C 100 C

QUANTITATIVE APTITUDE

Q. A. Q. A. Q. A. Q. A. Q. A. 101 A 102 B 103 A 104 D 105 D 106 B 107 C 108 B 109 A 110 A 111 C 112 D 113 C 114 D 115 C 116 A 117 C 118 A 119 B 120 A 121 C 122 C 123 A 124 A 125 B 126 B 127 D 128 D 129 C 130 A 131 C 132 A 133 B 134 A 135 A 136 C 137 D 138 A 139 B 140 D 141 A 142 B 143 C 144 B 145 D 146 A 147 B 148 C 149 B 150 C

ENGLISH COMPREHENSION Q. A. Q. A. Q. A. Q. A. Q. A.

151 A 152 A 153 B 154 A 155 B 156 A 157 B 158 B 159 A 160 B 161 B 162 C 163 C 164 B 165 C 166 B 167 C 168 B 169 C 170 C 171 B 172 C 173 A 174 C 175 B 176 B 177 C 178 D 179 A 180 C 181 A 182 D 183 C 184 B 185 D 186 D 187 A 188 A 189 B 190 C 191 B 192 C 193 A 194 C 195 D 196 A 197 B 198 D 199 C 200 A


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FEBRUARY – 2015 1) The first Grand Slam of the tennis for 2015 – Australian Open

was held at which place: Melbourne, Australia 2) Name the winner of men’s singles title at the Australian Open

tennis tournament: Novak Djokovic 3) Name the winner of women’s singles title at the Australian Open

tennis tournament: Serena Williams 4) Name the Indian tennis player who won the mixed doubles title at

the Australian Open: Leander Paes 5) Name the Indian Union Minister who recently visited China on a

four day official visit, to launch the “Visit India Year” in China: Sushma Swaraj

6) Nicol David, World Women’s Squash champion has set a new record for topping the world rankings for the 106th month. She is from which country: Malaysia

7) Country’s GDP growth rate was revised upwards to ________ per cent for 2013-14, as against 4.7 per cent estimated earlier: 6.9

8) The base year for measuring national accounts has recently been revised to _______ from 2004 – 05 earlier: 2011-12

9) India test fired its Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile (ICBM), __________ for the first time from a canister mounted on a Tatra truck, from the Wheeler Island, off the Odisha coast: Agni-V

10) What is the approximate range of India’s ICBM Agni – V: 5000 kms

11) Sergio Mattarella has been elected as the new President of which country: Italy

12) Rory McIlroy is the world’s no. 1 player in which sports: Golf 13) Rory McIlroy is from which country: Britain 14) _______ has been appointed Head Coach of India’s men’s

Hockey team: Paul Van Ass 15) 18th National Conference on e-Governance was held in which

city: Gandhinagar, Gujarat 16) Name the film that won the Filmfare Award for the best film for

2014: Queen 17) The Filmfare award for the best actor for 2014 was won by

_________: Shahid Kapoor for Haider 18) The Filmfare award for the best actress for 2014 was won by

_________: Kangana Ranaut for Queen 19) The Filmfare award for the best director for 2014 was won by

_________: Vikas Bahl for Queen 20) Krishna Chaudhary has been appointed Director General of

which paramilitary force: Indian Tibetan Boarder Police (ITBP) 21) Name the renowned music composer and actor who has been

appointed Chairman of Sangeet Natak Akademi: Shekhar Sen 22) Which bank has introduced a new app, Chillr, which will allow

users to send money to any contact in their phone books, 24X7: HDFC Bank

23) Charles H. Townes, American noble prize winner scientist passed away recently. He was known for which popular

invention: Laser lights 24) What is the full form of the word laser: Light Amplification by

Stimulated Emission of Radiation 25) A high powered committee chaired by R Gandhi, has been

formed to review the structure and functioning of the Urban Cooperative Banking Sector. Who is R. Gandhi: Dy. Governor, RBI

26) India's first fenced elephant sanctuary is to be setup in which Biological Park in Karnataka: Bannerghatta

27) The RBI recently slashed the statutory liquidity ratio by how many basis points: 50

28) What will be the impact of recent reduction of SLR by 50 basis points on the inflation front in the country: It may go up

29) What will be the impact of recent reduction of SLR by 50 basis points on the growth of the economy of the country: It may go up

30) What will be the impact of recent reduction of SLR by 50 basis points on the bank loans: It may go up

31) What will be the impact of this reduction of SLR by 50 basis points on the interest rates of the bank loans: It may go down

32) In which country more than 3,000 flights were cancelled as winter storms dumped snow, sleet and freezing rain causing wide spread disruption of routine life: USA

33) Which is the only country to win the Handball World Championships for the record five times: France

34) Which country secured the no. 1 position in world in consumption of gold in 2014: India

35) India overtook which country in becoming the top consumer of gold in the world: China

36) Which American celebrity has been elected as the most admired women in the world in a recent survey: Angelina Jolie

37) Winner of the “Most Admired Women” title, Angelina Jolie is from which field: Cinema

38) The Reserve Bank on Feb. 3 doubled the annual overseas investment ceiling for individuals to $_________ per person per year under the Liberalised Remittance: 250,000

39) The deposit accounts in the banks in which there are no transactions for 10 years or more are called _______ accounts: Unclaimed

40) Under which project Govt plans to construct over two crore toilets in select villages to make India free from open defecation by 2019: MNREGA

41) The Reserve Bank has allowed banks to install which type of machines at locations selected by them (banks) without getting its prior permission: Cash Deposit Machines

42) Which country has overtaken the United States as the top destination for foreign direct investment for the first time since 2003: China

43) According to the UNCTAD, foreign firms invested 128 billion dollars in China and 86 billion in the US last year. Write the full form of UNCTAD: United Nations Conference of Trade and Development


44) Which country has become the first country to allow a "three-parent" IVF (in vitro fertilization) technique: Britain

45) Who is the author of world famous novel “To Kill a Mockingbird”: Harper Lee

46) Saloni Dalal, a 12 year old girl became the youngest medal winner in the 35th National Games in Kerala by winning a Bronze medal in which field: 200 meter breast stroke swimming event

47) Which state won the 10th National Award for excellent work in Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005 (MGNREGA): Madhya Pradesh

48) Which state launched e-registration of properties in all the 130 tehsil and sub-tehsils of the State on Feb 04: Haryana

49) Who has been appointed as the new Union Home Secretary: LC Goyal

50) Gaur Hari Singhania, a noted industrialist passed away recently. He was associated with which corporate group: J K Group of Industries

51) ________ has been appointed as member of the Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations by the US government: Ajay Banga

52) Which state has decided to set up ‘Plast India International University’ in partnership with University of Massachusetts Lowell, USA: Gujarat

53) Who is the author of the book “The Bookman’s Tale”: Charlie Lovert

54) Which Indian mobile handset maker took over Samsung to become India’s biggest smartphone vendor and third largest in the world: Micromax

55) Which Indian Bank raised about Rs 10,000 crore by selling American Depository Receipts in the largest follow-on offer by a private sector firm: HDFC Bank

56) A three day conference of India’s Heads of the Missions was held in which place: New Delhi

57) Ms. Zoe Konstantopoulou has been elected as the new President of which country: Greece

58) In which country Shiite Houthi rebels dissolved the Parliament and took over the reins of the impoverished nation: Yemen

59) Noted novelist Bhalchandra Nemade has recently been honoured with which prestigious literary award: Jnanpith Award

60) Jnanpith Award winner Mr. Nemade writes in which language: Marathi

61) Name the Indian musician who won the ‘Best New Age Album’ award at the 57th Grammy Awards: Ricky Kej

62) Name the Indian who won the Grammy in the Best Children's Album category for rendering audio version of the book 'I Am Malala’: Neela Vaswani

63) The Grammy award for the record of the year and song of the year went to which song: Stay with me

64) BAFTA awards are given for excellence in which field: Cinema 65) The abbreviation BAFTA stands for what: British Academy of

Film and Television Arts 66) Which film won the BAFTA award for the best film: Boyhood 67) Government has decided to infuse Rs. 6,990 crore in nine public

sector banks to comply with which international norms / guidelines: Basel III

68) Basel III guidelines have been issued for what purpose: To ensure capital adequacy in banks

69) Basel III guidelines have been issued by which international authority: Bank for International Settlements

70) Name the politician whose name name was included in the

LIMCA book of records for being the only woman of the country to represent the same Lok Sabha constituency on the same party ticket for eight times in a row: Sumitra Mahajan

71) Which state launched the “Himalaya Darshan” programme as part of its ongoing efforts to boost tourism in the state: Uttarakhand

72) Dr. Tony Tan Keng Yam who visited India recently is the President of which country: Singapore

73) National Deworming Day is observed on which date: Feb 10 74) Medicine Albendazole is orally administered to pre-school and

school-going children between one and nineteen years for what purpose: For de-worming

75) Which Indian economist has been named as the first winner of a newly established Charleston-EFG John Maynard Keynes Prize in the UK: Amartya Sen

76) Which bank has launched ‘Pockets’, a digital banking service, enabling users to instantly send money to any e-mail id, mobile number, friends on Facebook and bank account: ICICI Bank

77) The RBI has allowed banks to offer extra interest on deposit schemes up to Rs 1 crore which cannot be broken prematurely. Such deposits are called _________ deposits: Non Callable

78) Reserve Bank has given the directions that all credit institutions, banks and NBFCs should become members of all the CICs in the country. The abbreviation CIC stands for: Credit Information Company

79) Summit of G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors held in _______ on 9-10 February 2015: Istanbul

80) The leaders of Germany, France, Russia and Ukraine met in Minsk, capital of Belarus to find solution to which international problem: Fighting in Eastern Ukraine

81) What is the name of the mascot of the 35th National Games: Ammu

82) Which animal has been made the mascot for the 35th National Games: The Great Hornbill Bird

83) Which marching contingents were awarded jointly the Best Marching Contingents Trophy for Republic Day Parade 2015: The Brigade of The Guards and the Sikh Regiment

84) The First World Ocean Science Congress (WOSC) was held in ______, Kerala from 5 to 8 February 2015: Kochi

85) Govt. has constituted a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by _________for re-investigation of the 1984 anti-Sikh riot cases: Pramod Asthana

86) The opening ceremony of the ICC Cricket World cup 2015 was held on Feb 12 at which two places: Christchurch and Melbourne

87) Which US Company has created a world record by crossing the mark of $700 billion in terms of market capitalization: Apple Inc

88) Name the author of the book “Editor Unplugged: Media, Magnate4s, Netas and Me”: Vinod Mehta

89) RBI has decided to put in circulation currency note in One Rupee denomination. These notes are printed under which Act of Govt. of India: Coinage Act 2011

90) India's trade deficit narrowed to an 11 month low of 8.3 billion dollar in January 2015. Trade deficit refers to what: The amount by which exports are less than imports

91) In terms of freedom of press, the World Press Freedom Index puts India at which rank: 136th

92) All India Football Federations (AIFF) has declared which sports person as the player of the year 2014: Sunil Chhetri

93) Name the champions who won highest number of medals – 159


in the national games 2015: Services 94) Raja Bhalendra Singh Trophy is awarded for which achievement:

Sports Contingent that wins highest medals in national games

95) The 36th National Games will be hosted by which state in 2016: Goa

96) For which national programme World Bank has agreed to grant $ 8 million loan to India for sustainable livelihoods and adaption to climate change: National Rural Livelihoods Mission

97) India successfully test-fired the naval version of the supersonic BrahMos cruise missile from which naval ship: INS Kolkata

98) Name the first National Tribal Festival that was held at New Delhi from 13 to 18 Feb., 2015. “VANAJ”-2015

99) Which national scheme recently launched by the govt. of India has been listed in Guinness Book of World Records for largest coverage: Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana

100) Which state has set up Gram Sachivalayas to bring Gram Panchayat and village level functionaries of all departments under one roof for better functioning and coordination: Haryana

101) Name the former Maharashtra Home Minister and senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader who passed away recently: R. R. Patil

102) Name the Popular cartoonist, veteran columnist and political activist who passed away in Feb 2015: Rajinder Puri

103) The 67th National track cycling championship was held at which place: Thiruvananthapuram

104) Name the veteran film producer, holder of the Guinness Book of World Records for the most films produced – 150, by an individual, who passed away recently: D Ramanaidu

105) What is the strike range of recently tested nuclear capable Prithvi-II surface-to-surface missile: 350 kms

106) The nationwide “Soil Health Card” scheme was launched by the Prime Minister from which place in Rajasthan on Feb19 : Suratgarh

107) Which Indian telecom major has tied-up with United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to provide health, education and youth-focused content to its customers in 17 African countries: Bharti Airtel

108) Government has launched MADAD-Because You Are Us system for what purpose: Consular Grievances Monitoring

109) Name the former India Captain and ace Leg Spinner has been chosen to be inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame: Anil Kumble

110) What is the short name for the recently notified Indian Accounting Standards which are converged with global standards IFRS: Ind AS

111) The Indian Accounting Standards – Ind AS will be mandatory for companies from which date: 1st April 2016

112) Which organization compiles the weekly figures for India's foreign exchange reserves: RBI

113) Name the tennis star who won the WTA championship in Dubai: Simona Halep

114) Name the Indian golfer who won the European Tour title at the Hero Indian Open on Feb 22 in New Delhi: Anirban Lahiri

115) Who has been elected as the new Chief Minister of Bihar: Nitish Kumar

116) Amartya Sen, 81 year old Nobel laureate economist was in news recently for what reasons: He resigned as the Chancellor of Nalanda University

117) The famous international Nalanda University is located in which

State: Bihar 118) The 10th edition of Aero India Show was held in which place:

Bengaluru 119) The government plans to launch a new scheme 'Krishi Dak

Service' for what purpose: To distribute improved seed varieties to farmers at their doorstep, through post-offices

120) ADB has agreed to grant $350 million loan to Madhya Pradesh for what purpose: To upgrade district roads

121) Which organization has reached an agreement with the bank unions to keep the banks closed on 2nd and 4th Saturday: Indian Banks Association (IBA)

122) The Academy Awards are given for excellence in which field: Cinema

123) What is the popular name for prestigious US Academy Awards: Oscars

124) Which picture won the Oscar for best picture: Birdman 125) Name the actor who won the Oscar for best actor: Eddie

Redmayne for The Theory of Everything 126) The Oscar for the best actress for 2014 was won by which lady:

Julianne Moore for Still Alice 127) What is the name of the recently conducted Indo Nepal Joint

Military Exercise: Surya Kiran-VIII 128) The military exercise Surya Kiran – VIII was recently held at

which place: Saljhandi, Nepal 129) Who has been appointed as the Ambassador and Permanent

Representative of India to the United Nations Offices in Geneva: Ajit Kumar

130) The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has established the world’s highest research station at which place: Chang La, Ladhakh

131) What type of research activities shall be carried out at the world’s highest research station at Chang La: To develop and validate cold weather technologies for agriculture and allied fields

132) Telecom Regulatory Authority of India had amended the rules to introduce MNP on nationwide basis from May 3. What is MNP: Mobile Number Portability

133) Musicians from around the world will gather this April in which city to celebrate the International Jazz Day: Paris

134) International Jazz Day is celebrated on which date: April, 30 135) Irom Sharmila, Human rights activist has been conferred Sthree

Shakti Award for her fight against imposition of Armed Forces (Special Powers Act, 1958). She is from which state: Manipur

136) Hero Hockey India League 2015 was played in which city: New Delhi

137) Which team won the Hero Hockey India League 2015 Championship: Ranchi Rays

JANUARY – 2015 138) The 13th Pune International Film Festival was held at Pune and Pimpri

Chinchwad in Maharashtra from January 8 to 15. What was the theme this year: War against War

139) Name the biggest cultural festival of the Mahayana sect of Buddhism in Nepal, observed to mark the beginning of the New Year: Tamu Lhochhar

140) The famous new year festival of Nepal – Tamu Lhochhar is held at which place: Kathmandu

141) ADB has agreed to give $ 75 million loan and $1.8 million grant to which state in India for Integrated Urban Water Management Investment Program for improving the water resource management: Karnataka


142) Name the top Indian cricketer who has decided to retire from the Test Cricket: MS Dhoni

143) Name the country that has recently adopted the Euro as its currency: Lithuania

144) How many countries in Europe have adopted Euro as their currency: 19

145) President gave his assent to the NJAC Act, nearly ending the two-decade-old Collegium System for appointment of judges to the Supreme Court and 24 high courts. NJAC stand for what: National Judicial Appointments Commission

146) The NJAC will be headed by ___________ and will have ______ other members: Chief Justice of India, Five

147) _____________ has been shifted from Uttarakhand to Mizoram to hold charge of Governor of State: Aziz Qureshi

148) ______________ has been appointed as new Governor of Uttarakhand: K K Paul

149) Name the former editor of the Hindustan Times and The Indian Express, who passed away recently: B G Verghese

150) As per a recent report by global property consultant CBRE, __________ is the costliest office space in India: Connaught Place

151) R Koteeswaran has been appointed MD & CEO of which public sector bank: Indian Overseas Bank

152) _______________ is the new MD & CEO of the Oriental Bank of Commerce: Animesh Chauhan

153) Kishore Kumar Sansi is the new MD & CEO of which bank: Vijaya Bank

154) Name the recently appointed MD & CEO of United Bank of India: P Srinivas

155) Name the India's first integrated mobile application for women safety launched in Delhi on Jan 1: ‘Himmat'

156) Saiyid Hamid, noted Muslim academician, educationist, reformist and author passed away recently. He was Chancellor of which educational institution: Jamia Hamdard University and Jamia Millia Islamia

157) What is the new name of the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA) after the promulgation of Insurance Laws (Amendment) Ordinance, 2014: Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India

158) On Jan 1, the government announced that the Planning Commission had been revamped and rechristened as NITI Aayog. What is the full form of NITI: National Institution for Transforming India

159) _____________ is the Chairman of the NITI Aayog: Prime Minister 160) Name the newly appointed vice chairperson of the NITI Aayog: Arvind

Panagariya 161) Ms Sindushree Khullar has been appointed CEO of which important

national level office: NITI Aayog 162) In which development financial institution government has decided to

increase its stake to 51% from around 48% at present: Industrial Finance Corporation of India – IFCI

163) Which is the only state in India that has the potential to grow the rare ‘purple tea’: Assam

164) ______________ is the only country in the world that produces unique purple tea: Kenya

165) India's top PSU bankers and select policy makers gathered in Pune for a two-day (Jan 2-3) retreat that was named ______________: Gyan Sangam

166) 102nd Indian Science Congress was held at which place: Mumbai 167) Who is the author of the book ‘The Fault in Our Stars’: John Green 168) Name the senior politician who has authored the book titled, ‘At Home

in India: The Muslim Saga’: Salman Khurshid 169) The RBI has signed an information sharing agreement with which

country for better coordination in supervising financial institutions: Unite States of America

170) As per revised norms, NBFCs have been asked to review KYC norms in their high risk category accounts every _________ years: Two

171) Two commemorative coins of Rs 100 and five were released in the honour of Tata Group founder ________________ to mark his 175th birth anniversary: Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata

172) Indian railways runs the Maitree Express train between which two stations: Kolkata – Dhaka

173) Name the project launched by government for under taking eco friendly development of the rural areas: Green India Mission

174) Govt. has launched domestic efficient lighting programme in Delhi. What is the highlight of this project: LED bulbs to be supplied at an initial payment of Rs. 10

175) What is the full form of LED: Light Emitting Diodes 176) What is the name of the customized low-cost combination of phone

and tablet computer launched for farmers by ICRISAT: Greenphablet 177) Write the full form of the abbreviation ICRISAT: International Crops

Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics 178) Headquarters of ICRISAT are located at which place: Near

Hyderabad, Telangana 179) India is on way to join the global high-end scientific Neutrino Club as

the government has approved a high level research laboratory in __________ field in Tamil Nadu: High energy physics

180) Amitabh Bachchan has been appointed as the brand Ambassador for health sector by which State: Andhra Pradesh

181) The 19th National Youth Festival began in ___________on Jan 8: Guwahati

182) The theme for 19th National Youth Festival is_______________: Youth for Clean, Green and Progressive India

183) Which union ministry has launched a toll-free helpline (1800-11-0031) to assist the alcoholic and drug-dependent persons: Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment

184) As per a Labour Bureau survey, unemployment rate in the country rose to ______per cent in 2013-14, mainly on account of increase in joblessness in rural areas: 4.9

185) Name the satirical weekly of France whose office was attacked recently by Islamic militants, killing over 12 persons: Charlie Hebdo

186) Millions of people around the world expressed their solidarity with the slain French journalists by using the hash tag # Je Suis Charlie on Twitter. What is its meaning: I am Charlie

187) Name the senior Indian diplomat who has been named as the new Under-Secretary-General, Department of Field Support (DFS) in UNO: ATUL KHARE

188) Which bank recently launched the country’s first contactless debit and credit cards that use the near-field communication (NFC) technology, enabling customer to make payments by just waving the card near merchant terminals instead of swiping the same: ICICI Bank

189) India has agreed to provide 60 million dollars Line of Credit – LoC to Guyana for its road infrastructure projects. Where is it located: On Northern border of Brazil

190) Modibo Keita has been elected as Prime Minister of which country: Mali

191) The country Mali is located in which part of the world: West Africa 192) Hampi Utsav – 2015 a three-day mega cultural festival of dance,

drama, art and music was held in which State: Karnataka 193) Ancient town of Hampi in Karnataka was the capital of which empire:

Vijayanagar Empire 194) Scientists have discovered a powerful new antibiotic which can kill an

array of germs without the bugs easily becoming resistant to it. What is its name: Teixobactin

195) India will provide Rs 6.90 crore support to Nepal for fighting against the Iodine Deficiency Disorder Control Programme (IDDCP) for control of which ailment: Goitre


196) In which country militants of Boko Haram massacred over 2000 persons in towns around Baga: Nigeria

197) Tshering Tobgay, who recently visited India is the _________ of Bhutan: Prime Minister

198) Who has been elected as new President of Sri Lanka: Maithripala Sirisena

199) In which State governor rule was imposed on January 9, 2015: Jammu & Kashmir

200) Why has governors rule been imposed in J & K: No party staked claim to form the government

201) 15 prominent NRIs were conferred which honour at the recently held Pravasi Bharatiya Divas: Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award

202) In whose honour, the coins of the denomination of Rs. 100 and Rs. 10 and the stamps of value of Rs 25 and Rs 5 were released at Pravasi Bharatiya Divas: Mahatama Gandhi

203) National Youth Day is observed on which date: 12th January 204) Why January 12 is observed as National Youth Day: It is birthday of

Swami Vivekananda 205) Name the star footballer who won the FIFA Ballon d'Or award for

2014: Cristiano Ronaldo 206) Name the ace tennis player who reached the 1,000 ATP Tour wins

milestone as he won the Brisbane International title on Jan 11: Roger Federer

207) In the field of tennis, the abbreviation ATP stands for: Association of Tennis Professional

208) Who has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organization: A S Kiran Kumar

209) Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic has been elected as the first women President of which country: Croatia

210) Which airline has been selected as the safest airline in the world for 2015: Quantas

211) Quantas is the official air carrier of which country: Australia 212) A new vaccine ‘Raksha Blue’ has been launched to counter which

deadly disease in farm animals: Bluetongue 213) Election commission has announced 7th February as the date for

assembly elections in which State: Delhi 214) Golden Globe awards are given in which field: Cinema 215) Golden Globe award are given in which country: USA 216) Which film won the Golden Globe 2015 for the best motion picture:

Boyhood 217) Name the Secretary, Defence Research and Development cum

Director General, DRDO and Scientific Advisor to the Defence Minister who was in news as he was removed by the govt. from his seat, 15 months before his contract was to end: Avinash Chander

218) Raghuram Rajan, Governor, RBI was selected as the ‘Governor of the Year’ by international magazine Central Banking. This magazine is from which country: Britain

219) Country’s first compressed natural gas (CNG) - powered train was flagged on January 13 from which place: Rewari, Haryana

220) Encouraged by the India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, the United Kingdom announced which campaign to forge collaborations with Indian companies: Great Collaborations

221) Nabard has signed an MoU with which Indian Institute of Management, to set up a Chair to encourage research in climate change, rural livelihood and financial inclusion, among others: IIM, Ahmedabad

222) India and ____________have signed a joint agreement to implement the third phase of the agriculture cooperation project for next three years, 2015-18: Israel

223) Which bank bagged three awards, including the ‘award for the best bank’ at the annual flagship event "MSME Banking Excellence Awards-2014" at Bengaluru: Canara Bank

224) Which Bank on Jan 13 launched a savings bank account christened as Jifi Saver, which can be managed via Twitter and Facebook: Kotak Mahindra Bank

225) Which Indian space project has won the 2015 Space Pioneer Award in the science and engineering category from the US based National Space Society (NSS): Mass Orbiter Mission

226) Which district in Kerala became the first district in the country to have all its gram panchayats connected through National Optical Fibre Network (NOFN) - hi-speed rural broadband network: Idukki

227) The first Border Haat (market) along with Bangladesh frontier was opened on 13 January 2015 in which State: Tripura

228) Which country has launched an Online Visa Pilot Programme to make it easier for Indian business and tourism visitors to apply online visa: Australia

229) Name the Indian professional golfer who has been voted as the 2014 Players’ Player of the year in Asian Tour: Anirban Lahiri

230) Name the new Chief Election Commissioner of India: H S Brahma 231) The Reserve Bank of India cut down repo rate by 25 basis points to

7.75 percent from 8 percent. What will be the new Bank Rate: 8.75 per cent

232) Bank Rate of Reserve Bank of India is calibrated with which other policy rate: Marginal Standing Facility

233) Which top IT company of India has promised the Prime Minister to invest $250 million for funding innovations in software and services in India: Infosys

234) Who is the appointing authority for Chief Election Commissioner: President of India

235) What is the tenure of Chief Election Commissioner: 6 years 236) The official status of Chief Election Commissioner is equivalent to

which other post: Judge of Supreme Court 237) Which area of Uttar Pradesh was in news as around 50 lives were lost

there due to a hooch tragedy that occurred in its nearby villages: Malihabad, Lucknow

238) Bhakti Sharma, India's 24 year old open water swimmer has set a world record by swimming 2.25 kms in 52 minutes in one degree temperature in which ocean: Antarctic Ocean

239) 76th Table Tennis National Championship was held at which place: Puducherry

240) The Red Sari by Javier Moro is a book return about which Indian political celebrity: Sonia Gandhi

241) Chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification recently resigned from her post. What is her name: Ms. Leela Samson

242) Which Bollywood celebrity has been conferred Social Media Person of the year award 2015 by the Internet and Mobile Association of India: Amitabh Bachchan

243) Name the new indigenously built fighter aircraft recently inducted in the Indian Air Force: Tejas

244) Tejas is a LCA acquired by the Indian Air Force. What is the full form of LCA: Light Combat Aircraft

245) Stephen Constantine has been appointed head coach of which Indian sports team: Men's Football

246) Sania Mirza along with her American partner Bethanie Mattek-Sands won doubles title at which international tournament in Australia: Sydney International Tennis Tournament

247) Giraffe Hero Award is given for excellence in which field: Social Work 248) Which State has appointed yoga guru Ramdev as the state's brand

ambassador to promote yoga and ayurveda in a big way: Haryana 249) Which state has banned the sale of loose cigarettes (as single sticks)

and loose tobacco, becoming the first State to do so: Punjab 250) Which State has been selected, for the first time, for National e-

Governance Award 2014-15 for the best district- level initiative in the country: Jammu & Kashmir


251) In a bid to promote entrepreneurship among the Scheduled Castes (SCs), which Ministry launched two schemes for funding ventures setup by them: Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment

252) Name the Australian cricketer, rated as third fastest bowler in world, who announced his retirement from all forms of cricket after a 20-year career: Brett Lee

253) Name the cueist who won the National Billiards Championship held at Kolkata: Pankaj Advani

254) Name the cricketer who recently hit the fastest century in one-day internationals cricket history: AB de Villiers

255) _________ state to host the 35th National Games: Kerala 256) Asia’s biggest literary event was recently held in which city: Jaipur 257) Name the Indian-American author who won the coveted DSC Prize for

Literature at the Jaipur Literature Festival: Jhumpa Lahiri 258) _________ was declared as the winner of inaugural Khushwant Singh

Memorial Prize Literature at the Jaipur Literature Festival: Arunadhathi Subramaniam

259) Name the film producer who has been appointed as the Chairman, Central Board of Film Certification: Pahlaj Nihalani

260) A report by the IMF says that India is expected to grow at 6.3 per cent this year and 6.5 per cent in 2016 by when it is likely to cross growth rate of which country: China

261) The 79th Senior National Badminton Championship held in ________ from January 29 to February 5: Vijayawada

262) Name the Indian runner who broke the 19-year-old women marathon national record at the 12th Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon in Mumbai: O P Jaisha

263) In which country the Houthi rebels seized the Presidential palace in the capital Sanaa, forcing the President to resign: Yemen

264) As per the recent tiger census in India, ________ State has highest number of tigers: Karnataka

265) As per a study by Edelman, India has been placed at _____ rank in world in terms of faith reposed by its citizens in its institutions: 2nd

266) Name the noted political scientist, founder of Centre for the Study of Developing Societies who passed away recently: Rajni Kothari

267) With which country India signed an agreement on transfer of prisoners who are completing their sentence there: Hong Kong

268) Name the author of the book “Geek Sublime: The Beauty of Code, the Code of Beauty”: Vikram Chandra

269) The prestigious National Book Critics Circle (NBCC) Awards are given in which country: USA

270) Jimjang Deru of Arunachal Pradesh recently created national record in which sports: Weight Lifting

271) Which international organization has decided to lift a seven-month-long ban on the import of mangoes from India: European Union

272) Veteran journalist Malini Parthasarathy has been appointed as the first women editor of a century old national news paper: The Hindu

273) The government has launched HRIDAY to preserve and rejuvenate the rich cultural heritage of the country. Write full form of HRIDAY: Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana

274) What is the name of the Microsoft’s voice controlled assistant to be introduced in its new operating system - Windows 10: Cortana

275) India has allowed duty free access to which country’s export products in Indian markets under the Agreement of South Asia Free Trade Area (SAFTA): Afghanistan

276) Name the scheme launched by the Prime Minister to save and empower the girl child: Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao

277) Which Bollywood celebrity has been appointed as brand ambassador of Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao campaign: Madhuri Dixit

278) A special savings scheme by the name ________ has been launched to encourage special savings for girl child: Sukanya Samriddhi Account

279) What is the rate of interest payable in the Sukanya Samriddhi Account: 9.1% per annum

280) A maximum amount of Rs. ______ can be deposited in a financial year in the Sukanya Samriddhi Account: 1,50,000

281) Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz, King of Saudi Arabia was in news recently for what reasons: He passed away

282) India’s first International Institute of Music will be set up in _____ by a trust headed by Sarod Maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan and his family: Kerala

283) In which country its first women premier was impeached on Jan 23 for corruption charges: Thailand

284) Lee Wan Koo has been appointed new Prime Minister of which Asian country: South Korea

285) The Reserve Bank has allowed Indians to carry high value notes of Rs 500 /1000 while travelling to _______ and _____with a cap of Rs 25,000 on the total amount: Nepal, Bhutan

286) The World Economic Forum's five-day annual jamboree of the global elite started on Jan 20 at______, Switzerland: Davos

287) Which Ministry has launched a new organisation “National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited” (NHIDCL) to promote the road construction: Road Transport and Highways Ministry

288) Name the controversial Australian bowler who has been named Australia's young cricketer of the year, winning the Sir Bradman Award: Sean Abbott

289) In a major boost to the jute sector, govt. has approved mandatory packaging of _____ and _____ in jute material to minimum extent of up to 90 per cent of production: Sugar and Foodgrains

290) RBI has advised that RRBs with assets less than $175 million need not to register under the US law FATCA. Write the full form of FATCA: Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act

291) Govt plans to set up a ‘Price Stabilisation Fund’ (PSF), with a corpus of Rs 500 crore for what purpose: To control price fluctuations in fruits and vegetables

292) The proposed price stabilization fund will initially focus on which two commodities for their price regulation: Onions and Potatoes

293) With which country India signed MoUs for formulating action plans for development of smart cities in Allahabad, Ajmer and Visakhapatnam: USA

294) Govt plans to introduce a new Consumer Price Index with ________ as base year for computing retail inflation rate: 2012

295) India has been ranked _______ globally in terms of talent competitiveness of its human capital, indicating acute shortage of skilled workforce: 78th

296) The Expenditure Management Commission, headed by_______, has recommended to the government that it cut fiscal deficit to 3.6 per cent of the GDP during 2015-16: Bimal Jalan

297) Which Bank has launched Jifi Saver, a social savings bank account which can be seamlessly managed via Twitter and Facebook: Kotak Mahindra Bank

298) Who has been appointed as the new Union Foreign Secretary of India: S. Jaishankar

299) Country’s first geothermal heating plant was launched successfully by the Snow and Avalanche Studies Establishment of DRDO at its _____(HP) campus: Manali

300) R K Laxman, the legendary cartoonist who passed away recently is known for the iconic cartoon character named ________:The Common Man

301) Veteran cartoonist R K Laxman was associated with which news paper: The Times of India

302) Name the highest peacetime military honour awardaed posthumously to Major Mukund Varadarajan and Naik Neeraj Kumar Singh on


Republic Day: Ashok Chakra 303) Paulina Vega of Columbia has been crowned with which international

beauty pageant: Miss Universe 304) Name the new national champion of snooker in men’s category:

Pankaj Advani 305) The Reserve Bank signed a Memorandum of Understanding on

“Supervisory Cooperation and Exchange of Supervisory Information” with central bank of which country: Brazil

306) Which Indian bank signed an agreement with U.S. government’s Overseas Private Investment Corporation for $220 million loan for on-lending to micro, small and medium enterprises: Yes Bank

307) Pooja Thakur, the first woman to lead the ceremonial tri-service guard of honour inspected by Mr. Obama is from which wing of Indian Defence Forces: Air Force

308) Which MNC recorded highest ever quarterly profit of $18 billion in quarter ending December 2014: Apple Inc.

309) Name the legal luminary, a senior advocate who has been awarded Padma Bhushan recently: Harish Salve

310) Mr. Subhash Kashyap who has been honoured with Padma Bhushan is an authority in which field: Constitutional Expert

311) Name the noted philanthropist couple honoured recently with Padma Bhushan: Bill Gates and Melinda Gates

312) Name the noted TV journalist honoured with Padma Bhushan this year: Rajat Sharma

313) Name the veteran politician, a serving Chief Minister who has been decorated with Padma Vibhushan this year: Prakash Singh Badal

314) Name the two noted bollywood actors who have been honoured with Padma Vibhushan this year: Amitabh Bachhan and Dilip Kumar

315) Name the UK businessman and spiritual leader who has been honoured with Pamda Vibhushan this year: Karim Al Hussaini Aga Khan

316) Sportsperson Mithali Raj has been honoured with Padma Shri. She is from which sports: Cricket

317) Name the women badminton player honoured with Padma Shri award this year: PV Sindhu

318) Noted film personality Prasoon Joshi who has been awarded Padma Shri is from which field of film industry: Lyricist

319) Jhumpa Lahiri has been awarded DSC Prize 2015 for literature for her book : The Lowland

320) India's FDI increased by 26 per cent in 2014 to an estimated 35 billion US dollar. Maximum FDI was attracted by which sector of economy: Services

321) To meet the fiscal deficit, the government sold 10 per cent stake in which state owned company to raise about Rs 24,000 crore: Coal India Ltd

322) Which country will host the 2016 Twenty 20 World Cup from 11th of March to 3rd of April 2016: India

323) Name the Former chief of Gorkha National Liberation Front, who gave birth to the Gorkhaland movement, who died recently: Subash Ghishing

324) As per revised guidelines, winners of Gold medal in international sports events will now get Rs. __________: 75 lacs

325) Jaswant Sing Rajput who won two times gold medal for India in Olympics, passed away recently. He was from which Sports: Hockey

326) The Payment Banks are not allowed to undertake which major banking function: Giving Loans

327) The payment banks are not allowed to accept deposits beyond Rs. ___________: One lac

DECEMBER – 2014 328) Name the Russian film that won the Golden Peacock for the best film

at the International Film Festival of India: Leviathan

329) The Golden Peacock Award for the best film carries a cash award of __________ rupees: 40 lac

330) Noted film maker Wong Kar Wai was conferred the lifetime achievement award at IFFI. He is from which country: China

331) Worlds Aids Day is observed on which date: December 1st 332) What is the full form of HIV infection: Human Immunodeficiency

Virus Infection 333) In the abbreviation of AIDS, the letter S stands for what: Syndrome 334) Which Southeast Asian country has launched a Tamil version of

National Day Song: Singapore 335) Name the Indian footballer who has been given Hall of Fame Award in

Manila: Baichung Bhutia 336) Name the Indian woman badminton player who won the Macau Grand

Prix Gold trophy at Macau, China: PV Sindhu 337) Jarbom Gamlin who passed away recently was a formal Chief Minister

of which State: Arunachal Pradesh 338) Govt. has deiced to observe 25th December as which day: National

Good Governance Day 339) National Good Governance Day is observed in the honour of which

national leader: Atal Behari Vajpayee 340) Name the noted Bollywood comedy actor who passed away recently:

Deven Verma 341) A R Antulay, former Chief Minister of Maharashtra passed away

recently. He was from which political party: Congress 342) In a gruesome attack naxalites killed 14 CRPF personnel in Sukma

district of _________ state: Chhattisgarh 343) Tabare Vazquez has been elected as President of which South

American country: Uruguay 344) Who has been appointed as the new Director of Central Bureau of

Investigation: Anil Kumar Sinha 345) The international prize for art – Turner Prize is given in which country:

UK 346) Niryat Shree and Niryat Bandhu Awards are given in which field: For

excellence in exports 347) Which bank won the Niryat Bandhu Silver Trophy for excellence in

exports: Canara Bank 348) As per data released by the Central Statistics Office on Nov 28, the

economy slowed in the quarter ending Sep 30, growing at _____per cent only: 5.3

349) American geologists have named the earth’s most abundant ________as ‘Bridgmanite’: Mineral

350) The world climate change conference was held at which place: Lima, Peru

351) The recent world climate change conference was organized by UNFCCC. What is the full form of UNFCCC: UN Framework Convention on Climate Change

352) As per the Corruption Perceptions Index–2014 released by the Transparency International, India stands at ___ position among 175 countries: 85th

353) As per the Corruption Perceptions Index–2014, which country is least corrupt in world: Denmark

354) Name the India’s recently tested nuclear – capable strategic ballistic missile having a range of about 4000 kms: Agni IV

355) Name the system launched by RBI to help consumers pay multiple bills like electricity, telephone and school fees at a single point of transaction: Bharat Bill Payment System

356) Which organization has been appointed as the nodal body for implementing Bharat Bill Payment System: National Payment Corporation of India

357) Government has fixed an export target of $______ billion for the current fiscal: 340


358) India recently launched GSAT-16 satellite for what purpose: Communications

359) The communication satellite GSAT-16 was launched at which place: Kourou in French Guiana

360) United Nations has declared which day as International Yoga Day: June 21

361) Why June 21 has been selected as World Yoga Day: This is the longest day thus having maximum energy

362) Which state recently launched “Mobile one” e-governance initiative to enable public to access 4000 govt/ private services on their mobile phones just by dialing 161: Karnataka

363) Blind Cricket World Cup was recently held at which place: Cape Town, South Africa

364) Name the country that won the Blind Cricket World Cup 2014: India 365) RBI has hiked the limit for pre-paid payment instruments (PPI) to Rs.

_________ from Rs. 50,000 at present: One Lac 366) Name the legendary jurist, a Supreme Court judge, and post-

retirement, a human rights activist who passed away recently: V.R. Krishna Iyer

367) Deodhar trophy is related to which place: Cricket 368) Deodhar trophy 2014 was lifted by which team: East Zone 369) Which US firm has been selected for supply of 16 multirole helicopters

for the Indian Navy: Sikorsky 370) Government has asked PSUs to ensure that they procure 20 percent

of their requirements from the products manufactured by MSME Units. What is meant by MSME: Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises

371) Who has been appointed as the new US Defence Secretary: Ashton Carter

372) On December 5, NASA launched Orion spacecraft atop a Delta IV Heavy rocket. It is what type of spacecraft: Returnable Spacecraft

373) Name the author of the book “2014: The Election That Changed India”: Rajdeep Sardesai

374) Which Indian state got its first rail link on Nov. 29, 2014: Meghalaya 375) As per the 2013 Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Index, India has

been placed at which position: 65th 376) Death anniversary of Dr BR Ambedkar – 6 December is observed as

what day: Mahaparinirwan Divas 377) United Nations General Assembly has declared 2015 as

the International Year of _______: Soils 378) Japan recently launched explorer Hayabusa 2 for what purpose: For

exploring asteroids 379) With which country Andhra Pradesh signed a MoU for development of

new capital: Singapore 380) The UNICEF has said that 2014 has been “devastating” for some 15

million ______caught up in violent conflicts around the world: Children

381) Ms. Wang Patraporn has been selected as Miss Intercontinental 2014. She is from which country: Thailand

382) In which country typhoon Hagupit caused wide spread devastation on December 7: Philippines

383) The government has decided to decriminalise “attempt to suicide” by deleting which section of the Indian Penal Code: 309

384) The Union Cabinet has cleared a proposal for setting up of a 500 crore rupees Credit Guarantee Fund for Factoring for MSME units. What is factoring: Collection of receivables of business units

385) The first Arabic translation of the Indian Constitution has been launched recently in which country: Egypt

386) Name the entity that has been selected as the ‘Person of the Year 2014’ by Time magazine: Ebola Fighters

387) Which Indian bank has launched two indices to track manufacturing activity and offer forward looking economic trends: State Bank of

India 388) Which country has become the 181st member of Multilateral

Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA): Bhutan 389) As per the Web Index 2014 India has been placed at which rank in

terms of internet's contribution to social, economic and political progress: 48th

390) Noted corporate personality Azim Premji has been awarded Swiss Ambassador's Award. He is chairman of which company: Wipro Ltd.

391) The Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC) links Ludhiana in Punjab to __________ near Kolkata: Dankuni

392) India’s most prestigious Indian classical music function – The Tansen Sangeet Samaroh was held at which place: Gwalior, MP

393) INS Circars, the oldest naval establishment on the Eastern seaboard celebrated its Platinum Jubilee. It is located at which place: Visakhapatnam

394) Russian President Vladimir Putin visited India to attend which important meeting: 15th India-Russia annual summit

395) Who is Arunima Sinha, writer of the book “Born Again on the Mountain”: First Indian female amputee to climb Mount Everest

396) The Druzhba – Dosti concept relates to strengthening of the bilateral partnership of India with which country: Russia

397) Name the book by Akhil Sharma that has been selected by The New York Times Book Review as one of the ten Best Books of 2014: Family Life

398) In which country police forcefully ended the more than two month old street demonstration - Occupy Central: Hong Kong

399) The 14th Finance Commission submitted its report on December 11 to which authority: President of India

400) Who is the head of the 14th Finance Commission: Y V Reddy 401) What is the purpose of setting the finance commission: To decide the

devolution of tax receipts from the Centre to the states 402) The recommendations of the 14th Finance Commission shall be

applicable from ______ to 31st March, 2020: 1st April, 2015 403) To promote electronic payments, the Reserve Bank of India has

increased the Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) business hours to 12 hours from ________ to _____ on weekdays: 8 am, 8 pm

404) Name the recent international chess title won by Viswanathan Anand: London Classic

405) Name the indigenous nuclear-powered submarine that for the first time sailed out for sea-trials on Dec 16: INS Arihant

406) Name the beauty queen that has been selected as Miss World 2014: Rolene Strauss

407) Miss World 2014, Rolene Strauss is from which country: South Africa 408) National Energy Conservation Day is observed on which date: Dec 14 409) Who is the author of the book ‘In God’s Hands’: Desmond Tutu 410) Who is Desmond Tutu, winner of Templeton Prize: Archbishop from

South Africa 411) Name the new chief of the Intelligence Bureau: Dineshwar Sharma 412) Who has been re-elected as the Prime Minister of Japan: Shinzo Abe 413) Champions Trophy is related to which sports: Hockey 414) Champions Trophy 2014 was won by which country: Germany 415) Champions Trophy 2014 was held at which city in India:

Bhubaneswar 416) Confucius Peace Prize, also known as China's version of the Nobel

Prize, has been given to which person for 2014: Fidel Castro, Former Cuban leader

417) Vivek Murthy, the 37 year old Indian origin doctor in USA was in news for what reasons: He has been appointed Surgeon General of USA

418) Olof Palme Human Rights Prize is given in which country: Sweden 419) Nasa's Curiosity rover has recently detected methane on which planet:

Mars


420) Government has approved the continuation of interest subvention for short-term crop loans up to Rs _______ to farmers: 3 lakh

421) Which state has won the Krishi Karman Award for the year 2013-14 for showing exemplary agri-performance in 14 different categories: Arunachal Pradesh

422) Which bank has launched its mobile banking application by the name ‘Bank Aapki Muththi Mein’: HDFC Bank

423) Name the heaviest ever rocket, weighing 630 tonnes launched by ISRO on Dec 18: GSLV Mark III

424) GSLV Mark III carried CARE as its payload which is an Indian-made unmanned crew module. What is full form of CARE: Crew Module Atmospheric Re-entry Experiment

425) USA has announced a series of steps aimed at normalising relations with which country: Cuba

426) Name the two banks that have been fined recently by the RBI for violation of KYC norms: ICICI Bank and Bank of Baroda

427) Union Cabinet recently approved a constitutional amendment bill on which important tax issue: Goods and Services Tax

428) Name the super power whose economy is in deep trouble due to economic sanctions imposed on it and huge loss on account of steep fall in oil prices: Russia

429) Opening ceremony for the International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cup 2015 shall be held at which place: Melbourne, Australia

430) Tashi Malik and Nungshi Malik, the twin sisters from Dehradun were in news for what reasons: They completed scaling highest peaks

431) Name the beauty queen selected as the Miss Universal Peace & Humanity 2014: Ruhi Singh

432) Miss Universal Peace & Humanity 2014 contest was held at which place: Beirut, Lebanon

433) What is the name of the new Prime Minister of Mauritius: Anerood Jugnauth

434) Among the chief ministers serving currently, who is the Chief Minister with longest tenure of 20 years: Pawan Chamling

435) Pawan Chamling, who completed 20 years as Chief Minister on Dec 12. He is from which State: Sikkim

436) In India the record for longest tenure as Chief Minister, 23 years, 4 months is held by which person: Jyoti Basu

437) Chunibhai Vaidya, a veteran Gandhian and freedom fighter passed away recently. He is from which state: Gujarat

438) Rajinder Khanna has been appointed head of which national intelligence agency: Research and Analysis Wing

439) Prakash Mishra has been appointed head of which paramilitary force: CRPF

440) The festival of Losar celebrated to mark the beginning of new year is observed at which place in India: Ladakh, J & K

441) Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas to be held from 7th to 9th January, 2015 will be which number in series: 13th

442) 13th Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas will be held at which place: Gandhi Nagar, Gujarat

443) Which Indian cricketer has been named as the brand ambassador of ICC cricket world cup 2015: Sachin Tendulkar

444) Name the Indian golfer who won the Inaugural edition of Dubai Open Golf Championship title: Arjun Atwal

445) Name the winning team of the Indian Super League Football Championship: Atletico De Kolkata

446) Beji Caid Essebsi has been elected as President of which African Country: Tunisia

447) Which Indian State has decided to set up a Cultural University to promote its rich cultural heritage: Manipur

448) Klaus Iohannis has been elected as __________ of Romania: President

449) Govt. has decided to pay __ % interest on provident fund deposits of Employees Provident Fund Organisation: 8.75%

450) International Tennis Federation (ITF) has declared __________ as the men’s player of the year 2014: Novak Djokovic

451) _______ has been named as the women player of the year 2014 by International Tennis Federation: Serena Williams

452) The authorize capital of the Regional Rural Banks has been raised from Rs.5 crore at present to Rs. _______ crore: 2000

453) The Ministry of Corporate Affairs has advised that the new IFRS norms shall be applicable from April 1, 2015. What is the full form of IFRS: International Financial Reporting Standards

454) Recently RBI has released a new set of norms defining which type of borrowers: Non Cooperative Borrowers

455) Jyotsna Suri has recently been elected as President of the prominent national trade body – FICCI. What is the full form of FICCI: Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry

456) Name the President of Bangla Desh who visited Kolkata recently: Abdul Hamid

457) Name the NASA’s planet-hunting spacecraft which discovered a ‘super-Earth’ located 180 light-years from Earth: Kepler

458) As per a recent survey which are the two top culprits for highest global carbon-dioxide emissions from burning of fossil fuels: China and United States– 29 and 15 per cent

459) British Queen has honoured noted Pakistan-born poetess Imtiaz Dharker for her poetry collection ‘Over the Moon’ with which award: Queen’s Gold Medal for Poetry 2014

460) Joe Cocker who died recently was a famous ________ from the Colorado, USA: Rock Singer

461) Name the Indian player who won silver medal at the 17th Asian Luge Championship: Shiva Keshavan

462) 58th National Shooting Championships was held in which place: Pune 463) Vinicius – the cat, has been declared as mascot for which international

sports event: 2016 Rio Olympics 464) Name the European space mission spacecraft that has been declared

as the most important scientific Breakthrough of the Year 2014: Rosetta

465) Bharat Ratna Award is given on recommendation of which authority: Prime Minister

466) The declaration for Bharat Ratna Award is made by which authority: President

467) Name the eminent South Indian filmmaker and Dadasaheb Phalke Award winner from Chennai who died recently: K. Balachander

468) The deadline for exchanging pre-2005 currency notes of various denominations, including 500 and 1,000 rupees, has been extended upto which date: June 30, 2015

469) The World Youth Under-16 Chess Olympiad at Gyor in Hungary was won by which country: India

470) For the first time, India exported an indigenously built war ship to which country: Mauritius

471) For the first time, India exported an indigenously built war ship to a foreign country. It was what type of ship: Offshore Patrol Vessel

472) Which online shopping portal has announced the launch of ‘Agri Store’, offering online products like seeds, fertilizer and irrigation tools etc.: Snapdeal.com

473) Name the new Chief Minister of Jharkhand: Raghubar Das 474) Govt. has launched which programme to cover all those children by

2020 who are either unvaccinated or partially vaccinated against seven vaccine preventable diseases: Mission Indradhnaush

475) Government has decided to set-up _______________to provide counseling to consumers in redressal of their grievances and assist them in registering their complaints in the appropriate consumer forums: Grahak Suvidha Kendras (Consumer care centres)


476) Union Cabinet approved promulgation of the ordinance on Insurance Bill to raise foreign investment cap in the insurance sector from 26 to _________ per cent: 49

477) Union Cabinet opened the medical devices sector to foreign investment by allowing ______per cent FDI in these devices: 100

478) Which private sector bank has raised $200 million loan from Asian Development Bank for onward lending to small farm households and rural women self help groups (SHGs): Yes Bank

479) Name the head of the committee setup to examine the possibility of forming a Special Investigation Team for re investigation of the 1984 anti-Sikh riot cases: Justice G P Mathur

480) Who has been selected as one of the top ten scientists in 2014 chosen by the prestigious science journal of UK-Nature: Dr. K. Radhakrishnan

481) A new train - The Sushaasan (good governance) Express was launched on Dec 25, from which place to which place: Gwalior to Gonda

482) Ankita Raina won ITF singles tennis title becoming the first Indian to win this title in past 14 years. This match was played at which place: Pune

483) Name the cricketer who broke the world record for most number of stumpings in international cricket after he claimed his 134th victim: M S Dhoni

484) Which country has been assigned the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for the first half of 2015: Latvia

485) Which southeastern country suffered worst flooding in decades forcing some 1,18,000 people to flee to safer places: Malaysia

486) Name the wheeled version of the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) Nishant, recently tested by DRDO: Panchi

487) Name the mission that aims at creating an environment for producing high quality teachers: Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya National Mission on Teachers and Teaching

488) Which country recently successfully test fired its Angara-A5 rocket: Russia

489) Name the country that has decided to join North Atlantic Treaty Organization: Ukraine

490) Which Indian bowler has been banned by BCCI as his bowling action was found illegal: Pragyan Ojha

491) World Bank will lend Rs 475 crore ($75 million) to the ___________Government for implementing a rural growth project: Andhra Pradesh

492) The Reserve Bank released a charter of customer rights on Dec.3 that lays down ____________basic rights that bank customers enjoy: Five

493) Pragyan Ojha was banned as his bowling action was found illegal, flexing elbow beyond ___degrees: 15

494) Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya National Mission on Teachers and Teaching was launched on 25th December at which place: BHU, Varanasi

NOVEMBER – 2014 495) Julian Burnside, Human rights advocate and barrister from Australia

was honoured recently with which international prize: Sydney Peace Prize 2014

496) Sydney Peace Prize is awarded by which organization: Sydney University

497) Mithra Shakthi, the three weeks Joint military exercise was conducted between India and which other country: Sri Lanka

498) Mithra Shakthi military exercise was held at which place: Sri Lanka 499) What was the name of the 4th Joint anti terrorism military exercise held

by Indian and Chinese forces: Hand in Hand 2014 500) The 4th Hand in Hand 2014 joint exercise of Indian and Chinese forces

was held at which place: Pune

501) Which state aims at construction of 10 lakh toilets by 2018 to make the state completely free from open defecation: Karnataka

502) The Union Government has decided on 29th October, to relax FDI norms in the ____________sector, allowing 100 per cent of foreign funds in building projects: Constructions

503) Govt has fixed rupees _______ per quintal as the Minimum Support Price for wheat for 2014-15 season: 1450

504) Name the Indian cricketer who was inducted into the Bradman Hall of Fame on 5th October at the Sydney Cricket Ground, Australia: Sachin Tendulkar

505) Name the former Union Carbide chief, wanted in India in connection with the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy, who passed away recently: Warren Anderson

506) Name the India’s ace shooter who became the first Indian to be elected as Chairman of International Shooting Sport Federation's (ISSF) Athletes Committee: Abhinav Bindra

507) Malala Yousafzai, Pakistani teenage rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner was in news for donating $50,000 for what purpose: To help rebuild UN schools in Gaza

508) Name the Mumbai Cinema actor, winner of two Filmfare awards who passed away in November: Sadashiv Amrapurkar

509) Duleep Trophy 2014 was won by which zone: Central Zone 510) Duleep Trophy is for which sports: Cricket 511) 43rd Handball National Championship (women’s) was held at which

place: Mastuana Sahib, Punjab 512) The Grand Cordon of the Order of the Paulownia Flowers is the high

level national civilian award of which country: Japan 513) Name the Indian dignitary who was honoured with The Grand Cordon

of the Order of the Paulownia Flowers: Manmohan Singh 514) World Trade Center, New York was in news recently for what reasons:

It has been re-constructed and restarted 515) President Pranab Mukherjee recently visited which neighbouring

country of India: Bhutan 516) Recently a warship of Indian Navy sunk off the Visakhapatnam coast

during a naval exercise. What type of ship it was: Torpedo Recovery Vessel

517) The Central Government has allocated five thousand crore rupees under AYUSH Mission for what purpose: For promoting traditional methods of treatment in the country

518) Children's Film Society of India organised the first edition of the National Children's Film Festival from 14 to 16 Nov at which place: New Delhi

519) Paris-based think tank, OECD has projected 5.4 percent growth for the Indian economy this year. What is the full form of OECD: Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development

520) Who is Dmitry Rogozin, who visited India to attend 20th session of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission: Deputy Prime Minister of Russia

521) In the Forbes list of the world's most powerful people for 2014, Mr. Modi has been placed at which rank: 15th

522) As per the Forbes list of the world's most powerful people for 2014, who has been placed at the top of the list: Vladimir Putin

523) Who has been appointed as the new Chairperson of the Central Board of Direct Taxes: Anita Kapur

524) 54th National Open Athletics Championships held at which place: New Delhi

525) Who was adjudged the best female athlete in the 54th National Open Athletics Championships: Tintu Luka

526) Who was adjudged the best male athlete in the 54th National Open Athletics Championships: Ankit Sharma

527) Tintu Luka, winner of the best national athlete (female) is from which


sport: Racing 528) Ankit Sharma, winner of the best national athlete (male) is from which

sports: Long Jump 529) Name the India’s fast bowler who has won this year's ICC’s LG

People's Choice Award: Bhuvneshwar Kumar 530) Name the batsman who became the quickest cricketer to reach 6,000

runs in ODIs: Virat Kohli 531) The Indian Army’s team of eight Garhwalis won the rigorous

endurance competition Cambrain Patrol in which country: Wales, UK 532) Name the region of Spain which is agitating for its separation from

Spain: Catalonia 533) Name the village near Varanasi that has been adopted for

development by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi under ‘Sansad Gram Yojna’: Jayapur

534) Laxmikant Parsekar has been appointed as the new Chief Minister of which state: Goa

535) What is the strike range of recently test fired ballistic missile Agni – II: 2,000 kms

536) Name the India’s first indigenous Light Combat Aircraft’s two-seater trainer jet: Tejas

537) Recently Germany observed silver jubilee of demolition of which historical monument: Berlin Wall

538) With which country India signed a MoU for promoting the Nalanda University in Bihar: Bhutan

539) In collaboration with which country India has developed the long-range surface-to-air missile (LR-SAM) system with a range of 70 kms: Israel

540) Who has been named as the most-powerful business woman in India by Fortune Magazine: Arundhati Bhattacharya

541) RBI has made it mandatory for banks to send SMS alerts for which type of transactions: Cheque Transactions

542) Where in India country’s longest access controlled six lane expressway is being developed: Uttar Pradesh

543) Country’s longest access controlled six lane expressway shall be connecting which two cities: Lucknow–Agra

544) Lipulekh Pass through which border trade worth over Rs 3 crore took place between India and China this year lies in which state: Uttarakhand

545) India has inked a USD 200 million loan agreement with the World Bank to finance the setting up of technology centres to help MSMEs enhance their productivity. What is full form of MSMEs: Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises

546) The 45th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) was held at which place: Goa

547) Which was the focus country for this year’s International Film Festival of India: China

548) Which Cine Star was honoured with Centenary Award for Indian Film Personality of the Year at the 45th IFFI: Rajnikanth

549) Which two States have opened the bank accounts for all households in the state under Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojna (PMJDY): Kerala and Goa

550) 6th World Ayurveda Congress was held in which place: New Delhi 551) Durand Cup is related with which sports: Football 552) The 127th Durand Cup Championship was held at which place: Goa 553) National Education Day is observed on which date: November 11 554) Name the India’s first Education Minister in whose honour National

Education Day is observed on November 11: Maulana Abul Kalam 555) Unnat Bharat Abhiyaan has been launched for what purpose: To

promote role of IITs/NITs in rural development 556) Name the portal launched to enable students for selecting the right

college for their higher education: Know Your College 557) Govt. has launched SAMVAY to facilitate students to switch between

education and jobs. The acronym SAMVAY stands for: Skill Assessment Matrix for Vocational Advancement of Youth

558) Name the two scholarship schemes launched for girls pursuing technical education at college level: Saksham and Pragati

559) ________ has been appointed Chairman of National Chemical Weapon Convention: G.S. Sandhu

560) National Cancer Awareness Day observed on which date: 7 November

561) At which place in India Suzlon Energy company installed the world’s tallest 120 meters high hybrid wind generator turbines: Kutch, Gujarat

562) As per recent reports from IMF, in October 2014, which country became the world’s largest economy in terms of Purchasing Power Parity (PPP): China

563) Name the country who has become the first European Union (EU) country to officially recognise the State of Palestine: Sweden

564) Public Service Broadcasting Day is observed on 12th November to commemorate the first and only visit of which celebrity to All India Radio: Mahatma Gandhi

565) Gandhian Philosophy and Public Service Broadcasting Award 2014 has been won by which radio station: Radio Kashmir, Jammu

566) Name the world number one Badminton player who has been suspended due to an apparent anti-doping regulation violation: Lee Chong Wei

567) What was the name of the first ever manmade mechanical device landed on a comet: Philae Probe

568) In the 10 day foreign visit of Prime Minister Modi in November, which was the first place visited by him: Nay Pyi Taw

569) How many members are there in the ASEAN group of nations: 10 570) Summit of ASEAN group of nations in November was held at which

place: Nay Pyi Taw 571) Apart from 10 ASEAN countries, how many more countries are

member of East Asian Summit: 8 572) ASEAN summit 2015 will be held in which country: Cambodia 573) While visiting Australia in November, Prime Minister Modi visited

which city first of all: Brisbane 574) While visiting Australia in November, which was the last city visited by

the Prime Minister Modi: Melbourne 575) What was the name of the venue in Sydney where Mr. Modi

addressed Indian diaspora: Allphones Arena 576) At which place in Australia, Mr. Modi addressed the Australian

Parliament: Canberra 577) Mr. Modi assured of life time visa to PIO and OCI card holders of

Australia. What is the full form of PIO and OCI: Persons of Indian Origin; Overseas Citizens of India

578) Who is the constitutional head of Australia: British Monarch 579) __________ is the Prime Minister of Australia: Tony Abbott 580) __________ is the President of Myanmar: Thein Sein 581) Name the Oceanic Island country visited by Mr. Modi in November:

Fiji 582) ___________ is the capital of Fiji: Suva 583) Govt. has notified BIS mark for 15 electronic products, including

mobile phones, power banks and LED lamps. BIS stands for: Bureau of Indian Standards

584) Which two countries have agreed on a timetable to limit emission of greenhouse gases — ending a 20-year discord between them: China and USA

585) The net own funds – NOF requirements for NBFCs has been raised from Rs.25 lakh at present to Rs._____ by March, 2016: One crore


586) As per a recent study, which city in India has the largest number (16.4 million) internet users: Mumbai

587) Who has been named as the captain of ICC ODI Team of the Year 2014: MS Dhoni

588) Who has been appointed as the new Union Financial Services Secretary (FSS): Hasmukh Adhia

589) Name the winner of 2014 World’s Children Prize: Malala Yousafzai

590) Name the Governor of South Caorlina state, USA who visited India recently: Nikki Haley

591) Name the Bollywood actor-director who became the first man in the history of “UN Women” to be appointed as its Goodwill Ambassador for South Asia: Farhan Akhtar

592) Rohit Sharma made history by scoring the highest individual score of 264 runs. He achieved this feet at which ground: Eden Garden Stadium, Kolkata

593) Gen. Dalbir Singh Suhag, Indian Army Chief was conferred the title of honorary rank of General by which country: Nepal

594) Name the veteran film director from Bollywood, famous for his tele serial – Mahabharat and movie – Baghban, who passed away recently: Ravi Chopra

595) The IPI India Award for Excellence in Journalism, 2014, was awarded jointly to which two publications: Hindustan Times and The Week

596) The Indian army recently test-fired the Prithvi-II missile. What is the name of its naval version: Dhanush

597) Name the cricketer who won the International Cricket Council's (ICC) Sir Garfield Sobers trophy for the Cricketer of the Year award for 2014: Mitchell Johnson

598) Mitchell Johnson, winner of the Cricketer of the Year award for 2014 is from which country: Australia

599) Name the cricketer who was voted the ODI player of 2014: AB de Villiers

600) AB de Villiers is the batsman of which country: South Africa

601) 68th Senior National Aquatic Championship was held at which place: Kolkata

602) Name the tennis star who won the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals on Nov 16 at London: Novak Djokovic

603) Name the state that has been chosen for union government’s Best State Award for Empowerment of Disabled for year 2014: Madhya Pradesh

604) Which country will host the 16 nation Football tournament Africa Cup of Nations 2015: Equatorial Guinea

605) The India Economic Summit, sponsored by the World Economic Forum was held at which city in India: New Delhi

606) Govt of India has relaxed Indian citizenship norms for Hindu and Sikh refugees from which two countries: Pakistan and Afghanistan

607) Union Ministry of Minorities Affairs launched the Maulana Azad National Academy for Skills (MANAS) to impart training to youths in which sector: Health and Security Sector

608) Which UN organisation released first ever ‘Guidelines for Indoor Air Quality - Household Fuel Combustion’ to promote use of clean fuels at household level: World Health Organisation

609) 22nd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit was held in which place: Beijing

610) The 2015 G 20 summit will be hosted by which country: Turkey 611) The 2016 G 20 summit will be hosted by which country: China

612) To help in its efforts to crack down on suspected black money stashed abroad, India signed which agreement with Saint Kitts & Nevis: Tax Information Exchange Agreement

613) With which country India has reached an agreement on public stockpiling of food in terms of Bali Package: USA

614) Which UN organisation is the coordinator for the Trade Facilitation Agreement: WTO

615) International Buddhist Conference was held in which place: Lumbini, Nepal

616) Men's singles title of the China Open Super Series Premier (Badminton) was won by: K Srikanth

617) Women’s singles title of the China Open Super Series Premier (Badminton) was won by: Saina Nehwal

618) China Open Super Series Premier (Badminton) was held in which city: Fuzhou, China

619) RBI has asked banks to give liberal loans to landless farmers to meet the govt’s target of financing five lakh JLGs in 2014-15. JLG stands for what: Joint Liability Group

620) Which city in India has set up a kiosk that lets anyone file an FIR at any time, irrespective of where an incident took place: Bengaluru

621) The foreign investment promotion board (FIPB) has allowed which bank to increase foreign investment in the bank to 74 per cent: HDFC Bank

622) Which senior global leader left the G 20 summit under protest, before its conclusion: Vladimir Putin

623) Which country celebrated the 25th anniversary of the launch of the Velvet Revolution that toppled communism in 1989: Czech Republic

624) What is the name of the small savings instrument recently re-launched by the govt: Kisan Vikas Patra

625) What is the highest denomination in which the Kisan Vikas Patra will be available: Rs 50,000

626) What is the maturity period for the Kisan Vikas Patra: 100 months 627) Which major economy of the world shrank for the second consecutive

quarter, slipping it into a technical recession: Japan

628) Klaus Warren Lohannis has been elected as President of which country: Romania

629) IIM- JRD Tata Award For Excellence In Corporate Leadership for 2014 has been won by which person: C S Verma, Chairman, SAIL

630) Indian cricket team won 5-match ODI series against Sri Lanka, winning all the five matches. This achievement is termed as _____: Whitewash

631) What is the objective of the National Bal Swachhta Mission: To improve over all cleanliness amongst school children

632) Which programme has been launched to assist girl students in preparing them for the IIT-JEE while studying in classes XI and XII: Udaan

633) Prasar Bharti announced to re-launch DD National with which new tagline: Desh Ka Apna Channel

634) Which country is worst affected by the terrorism as per the Global Terrorism Index 2014: Iraq


635) As per the Global Terrorism Index 2014, India is the ______ worst affected nation: 6th

636) Indian Air force tested its medium range surface-to-air anti-aircraft missile ______ with a strike range of 25 km: Akash

637) International Children’s Peace Prize – 2014 has been won by Neha Gupta. She is from which country: USA

638) 2015 IAAF World Athletics Championships will be hosted by which country: China

639) ______ quit as the Head Coach of the National Hockey team: Terry Walsh

640) 'Vape' has been chosen by Oxford Dictionaries as its international word of the year for 2014. What is the meaning of this word: Smoking electronic cigarette

641) Name the winner of BCCI’s C.K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award for 2014: Dilip Vengsarkar

642) Name the winner of BCCI’s Polly Umrigar Award 2013-14 for being India’s best international cricketer of the year: Bhuvneshwar Kumar

643) A latest UN report says that, India has the world’s largest youth population-356 million. What is their age group: 10-24 years

644) The book “Truth Always Prevails” has been written by Sadruddin Hashwani. He is from which country: Pakistan

645) Sumitra Charat Ram Award is given in which field: Art and culture 646) Name the noted Japanese film actor who passed away recently: Ken

Takakura 647) Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd (IREDA) and US

Export-Import (Exim) Bank signed a MoU for what purpose: For cooperation on clean energy investment

648) Name the winner of Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for 2014: Indian Space Research Organisation – ISRO

649) 18th SAARC Summit was held in _____ on the 26th and 27th Nov: Kathmandu

650) What is the full form of the acronym SAARC: South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation

651) Which major oil company in India won a Rs 18, 000 crore income tax order against it: Shell India

652) World Tour Golf Championship was held in which city: Dubai 653) UN World Toilet Day is observed on which date: Nov 19 654) World Women's Boxing Championships was held in which place: Jiju,

South Korea 655) The Union Cabinet has approved "Integrated Power Development

Scheme" for strengthening of distribution network of electricity in which area: Urban India

656) Name the bank that has been merged with the Kotak Mahindra Bank: ING Vysya Bank

657) Name the foreign dignitary who will be the Chief Guest at India's 2015 Republic Day celebrations: Barack Obama

658) The third South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Women's Championship was held at which place: Islamabad, Pakistan

659) Name winner of the third South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Women's Championship: India

660) Which Indian invention has been listed among the 25 best innovations of 2014 by the Time magazine: Mangalyaan

661) Which Indian zoo has become the first zoo in the world to house the critically endangered pig Pygmy Hog: Guwahati

662) UN Climate Change Summit 2014 was held in which city: New York

663) The United Nations has adopted the first-ever resolution calling on governments to stop which undesirable social practice: Child Marriage

664) Name the grand master who won the World Chess Championship title defeating five-time champion Viswanathan Anand: Magnus Carlsen

665) Magnus Carlsen, world chess champion is from which country: Norway

666) Recent world chess championship was held at which place: Sochi, Russia

667) Name the British F1 champion who won the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as well as the Formula 1 racing championship title of the year, becoming the first British to do so since 1971: Lewis Hamilton

668) Which country won the prestigious Davis Cup Tennis Title – 2014 for the first time: Switzerland

669) To Indian Christian priests were decorated with Sainthood by the Pope Francis II. This process is known as_______________: Canonisation

670) Finals of the World Kabaddi League were played in which city: Mohali, Punjab

671) Name the football player who became the all-time highest scorer in La Liga history by scoring 253 goals in first class football: Lionel Messi

672) Name the new Defence Minister of India: Manohar Parrikar

673) Who has been appointed as the new Union Railway Minister: Suresh Prabhu

674) Who is the new Information and Broadcasting Minister of India: Arun Jaitely

675) Which organisation has started a Delhi-Kathmandu bus service from Nov. 26: Delhi Transport Corporation

676) World’s longest rail journey, covering 10,000 kms has been started between which two cities: Yiwu China and Madrid, Spain

677) Name the book that won the 2014 Shakti Bhatt First Book Prize: The Scatter Here is Too Great

678) Who has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Press Council of India: Justice C. K. Prasad

679) Name the U.S. Defense Secretary who was in news as he resigned from his post: Chuck Hagel

680) The SAARC summit that started in Kathmandu on 26 Nov, was _____ in the series: 18th

681) Who has been named as the new chairman of SAARC: Sushil Koirala

682) SAARC is a group of how many countries: 8

683) What is the theme of this year’s SAARC summit: 'Deeper Regional Integration for Peace and Prosperity'

684) First Commonwealth Science Congress was held in November 2014 at which place: Bengaluru

685) Who is the author of the book titled “The Dramatic Decade: The Indira Gandhi Years”: Pranab Mukherjee


686) The three organisations - World Toilet Organisation (WTO), WASTE and the Financial Inclusion Improves Sanitation and Health (FINISH) have joined hands for what purpose: To end open defecation in India

687) World Fisheries Day is observed on which date: Nov 21 688) Who has been appointed as the new Chairman of Union Public

Service Commission (UPSC): Deepak Gupta 689) Which UN organisation released a report on the impact of global

warming titled “Turn Down the Heat: Confronting the New Climate Normal”: World Bank

690) Nov 25 is observed as International Day for what purpose: Elimination of Violence Against Women

691) Name the fund launched by the Central Govt to build toilets in schools, rural and urban areas: 'Swachh Bharat Kosh'

692) As per the Global Slavery Index 2014, India is home to about ___ per cent of the people trapped in modern slavery: 40

693) The H5NI avian influenza virus is spread by which bird: Poultry birds

694) Name the country's oldest and largest foreign bank that recently opened its 100th branch in India: Standard Chartered Bank

695) India observes December 16 as Vijay Diwas to commemorate which event: Victory in 1971 Indo-Pak war

OCTOBER – 2014 696) Fitch has projected that India's growth is expected to accelerate to 5.6

per cent in the year 2014-15. What type of organization is Fitch: Rating Agency

697) Core sector growth for the month of August stood at 5.8 percent. How many industries are there in core sector: Eight

698) The Union Ministry of Culture is observing the year-long centenary commemoration of the historic Komagata Maru incident. What / who was Komagata Maru: Steamer Ship

699) The Komagata Maru incidents took place at which place in India: Budge Budge Port, Kolkata

700) The US govt has assured its support for developing_________ smart cities in India: Three

701) Name the three proposed smart cities to be developed with US assistance: Allahabad, Ajmer and Visakhapatnam

702) Who has been appointed as new Chairman of Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA): Hemant Contractor

703) RBI has directed banks to disallow _________ in the accounts where customers have not fulfilled KYC norms: Debits

704) What is the formal name of the cleanliness drive launched by the PM across India, on Gandhi Jayanti: Swachh Bharat Mission

705) _______ has been named as new Secretary General of NATO: Jens Stoltenberg

706) In a recent global ranking of universities, ________ secured top position in Indian universities: Panjab University

707) Name the Chief Executive of the world’s largest e-tailer _________who visited India to meet our Prime Minister: Jeffrey P. Bezos, Amazon.com

708) India has imposed anti-dumping duty on _________imported from the U.S. and Chinese Taipei to safeguard the interest of domestic manufacturers: Phenol

709) ATP China open tennis cup 2014 was held at which place: Beijing 710) _________ won the Men’s singles trophy at ATP China open tennis

cup 2014: Novak Djokovic 711) Novak Djokovic is from which country: Serbia 712) _________ won the Women’s singles trophy at ATP China open

tennis cup 2014: Maria Sharapova

713) Maria Sharapova is from which country: Russia 714) Which country has test fired a new variant of its 10,000 km range

missile - Dongfeng-31B: China 715) At which place in the world, students are leading a prodemocracy

protest – “occupy central”: Hong Kong 716) In which part of the world a mass public protest is going on nick

named as ‘umbrella revolution’: Hong Kong 717) Name the Indian-American professor from USA honoured with

National Medal of Science: Thomas Kailath 718) Which country secured highest number of medals in 17th Asian

Games: China, 342 719) India was placed at 8th rank in the 17th Asian Games, securing

________medals: 57 720) Indian sportspersons won _______ gold medals in the 17th Asian

Games: 11 721) Indian sportspersons won _______ silver medals in the 17th Asian

Games: 10 722) _________ , the Japanese swimmer, was named as the “Most

Valuable Player” of the 17th Asian Games: Kosuke Hagino 723) The 18th Asian Games will be held in 2018 in_________, Indonesia:

Jakarta 724) ___________became the first Indian woman boxer to clinch a gold

medal at the Asian Games: MC Mary Kom 725) Indian won the hockey gold medal at Asian Games by beating which

country: Pakistan 726) In which sports India won gold medal in both Men’s and Women’s

category: Kabaddi 727) Name the Indian film celebrity who was honoured with Global Diversity

Award 2014: Shah Rukh Khan 728) The Global Diversity Award is given by which organization: British

Parliament 729) Name the proposed central govt. programme that aims at bringing all

Indians under health insurance cover: Universal Health Assurance Mission

730) Name the winner of Champions League Twenty 20, 2014: Chennai Super Kings

731) Country’s first olive oil refinery has been started in which State: Rajasthan

732) What was the name of the first address of the Prime Minister over radio broadcasted recently: Mann Ki Baat

733) Name the social networking site that was closed recently by Google: Orkut

734) Which metro service in India has been ranked second among 18 international Metro systems: Delhi Metro

735) What is the name of the recently launched sedan car by Maruti Suzuki: Ciaz

736) Strong typhoon Phanfone slammed into which country, with winds of up to 180 kmph: Japan

737) Lal Bahadur Shastri National Award is given for excellence in which field: Public Administration, Academics and Management

738) Dr A Sivathanu Pillai, winner of this year’s Lal Bahadur Shastri National Award is head of which national organisation: BrahMos Aerospace.

739) _______ would become the first state in India to have high-speed internet connecting all the panchayats in the state by March next year: Kerala

740) John O’Keefe of USA, May-Britt & Edward Moser of Norway won the Nobel Prize 2014 for which field: Medicine

741) Nobel Prize 2014 for Physics has been won by three scientists from which country: Japan

742) Eric Betzig, William Moerner and Stefan Hell won the Nobel Prize


2014 in which field: Chemistry 743) Patrick Modiano, winner of Nobel Prize for literature, is from which

country: France 744) Name the joint winners of this year’s Nobel Peace Prize: Malala

Yousafzai and Kailash Satyarthi 745) Name the economist who won the 2014 Nobel Prize for Economics:

Jean Tirole, France 746) Union Government has decided to sell ______bulbs to households at

10 rupees against the market price of 400 rupees: LED 747) The first-ever Offshore Wind Power Project in India is to be setup at

which place: Along the Gujarat coast 748) What is the objective of the proposed “Sardar Patel Urban Housing

Mission”: Housing for all by 2022 and a ‘slum free India’ 749) Name the Japan’s gymnast who won his fifth straight all-around world

title to become the only gymnast to win more than three World all-around titles: Kohei Uchimura

750) Name the super cyclone that caused wide spread devastation in the coastal part of Andhra Pradesh: Hudhud

751) Name the city which suffered maximum damage from the super cyclone Hudhud: Visakhapatnam

752) The name Hudhud has been derived from which object: National bird of Israel

753) Waislitz Global Citizen Award 2014, won by ___________ for his work in founding Humanure Power in Bihar in 2011 that builds community sanitation facilities in rural India: Anoop Jain

754) In which athletics event Indian women’s team won gold in 17th Asian Games: 4x400 relay race

755) In which sports Seema Punia won the only gold medal in athletics for India in the 17th Asian Games: Discuss Throw

756) What is the objective of the recently launched “Swachhta Udyami Yojana - Swachhta Se Sampannta Ki Aur”: To provide financial assistance to Safai Karamcharis

757) Name the single premium pension policy for senior citizens launched for a limited period of one year, from 15-08-2014 to 14-08-2015: Varishtha Pension Bima Yojana

758) Leela Samson was in news as she resigned from the post of Chairperson of Sangeet Natak Akademi. She is from which field: Eminent Bharatnatyam dancer

759) Name the plan that has been launched to promote model villages by each and every MP: Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana

760) The village selected under Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana should have a population of ______in plain areas and _____in hilly, tribal and difficult areas. 3000-5000; 1000-3000

761) RBI has restricted free non-home ATM transactions to three in how many metro cities: Six

762) RBI has allowed how many free non-home ATM transactions to metro users in non-metro centres: Two

763) CEO of which international social networking site recently met Indian Prime Minister in New Delhi: Facebook

764) _________ won the Shanghai Rolex Master- 2014 championship: Roger Federer

765) Which Indian state has launched a health card scheme to protect grand old trees in public places: Kerala

766) Name the famous Ghazal and Thumri singer whose birth centenary is being celebrated in India: Begum Akhtar

767) President of India recently visited which two Scandinavian countries: Norway and Finland

768) Name the India’s research station located in the middle of North Pole and Norway: Himadri

769) With which country India recently signed an agreement for nuclear cooperation: Finland

770) In which country a 400 kms long railway line reconstructed with Indian assistance, was inaugurated recently: Sri Lanka

771) Which state govt. has decided to provide free treatment to every cancer patient in the state: Kerala

772) As per the Global Hunger Index 2014, India has been ranked at ______ place: 55th

773) Name the India’s largest real estate company that was recently barred for three years by SEBI: DLF

774) Shakti Devi, an Indian police inspector won international Female Police Peacekeeper Award 2014 for her work in which country: Afghanistan

775) 18 year old young boy from Hong Kong – Joshua Wong was in news for what reasons: He is the leader of the pro democracy youth movement in Hong Kong

776) 2014 Man Booker Prize for Literature has been won by which author: Richard Flanagan

777) Name the book by Richard Flanagan that won him the Man Booker Prize: The Narrow Road to the Deep North

778) Which Indian Sports Person was chosen as the ‘Most Valuable Player’ of India at the recent Incheon Asian Games: MC Mary Com

779) Name the noted Bollywood lyricist who won the National Kishore Kumar Award: Sameer

780) Name the world famous fictitious character, very popular amongst children whom Indian President met recently in Norway: Santa Claus

781) ISRO launched its third navigation satellite named______on board its PSLV-C26 rocket from Sriharikota: IRNSS 1C

782) The government has made it mandatory for tobacco companies to carry health warnings covering at least _______ of the surface of cigarette packets: 85%

783) Name the project launched by the central govt. that aims at creating a conducive environment for industrial development and doing business with ease: Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Shramev Jayate Karyakram

784) Shramev Jayate Karyakram has been promoted by which Union Ministry: Labour Ministry

785) Govt. plans to allot Labour Identification Number - LIN to whom for simplifying business regulations and securing transparency and accountability in labour inspections: Industrial Units

786) Name the Unified Labour Portal launched to facilitate "Labour Inspection Scheme," which aims at ending arbitrariness in the inspection: Shram Suvidha

787) Govt. plans to allot Universal Account Number to which category of workers: Members of Employees' Provident Fund Organization (EPFO)

788) Name the India’s largest domestic airline by market share that has signed a deal to buy 250 latest Airbus A-320 neo aircrafts: IndiGo

789) Name the international financial magazine that awarded “Central Bank Governor of the Year Award 2014” to Mr. Raghuram Rajan: Euromoney, UK

790) Who has been appointed as the new Chief Economic Adviser to the Union Government: Arvind Subramanian

791) Rajiv Mehrishi has been appointed to which important position: Union Finance Secretary

792) Name the Australian cricketer who created history by scoring 341 runs in limited over match: James Tull

793) Name the Indian nuclear-capable cruise missile tested successfully recently: Nirbhay

794) How many new non permanent members were elected recently to the UN Security Council: Five

795) Union government plans to set up a mega handicraft cluster in_______, Gujarat to promote handicraft items and craft based textiles: Kachch


796) ____________ has become number one state in the field of organic farming producing about five lakh metric ton of farm products: Madhya Pradesh

797) The Reserve Bank has signed a pact with Central Bank of _________ for exchange of information and supervisory cooperation: Kenya

798) Which country has agreed to sign commercial contracts for supply of uranium for Indian nuclear reactors: Canada

799) Which Bank has launched an instant bank payment product – KayPay for Facebook users to send money to each other in an instant: Kotak Mahindra Bank

800) Cricket players of which country refused to play in India due to a pay dispute with their cricket board: West Indies

801) Union Cabinet has decided to completely deregulate the prices of which product to link its prices to the market forces: Diesel

802) The government has launched a new methodology —National Air Quality Index (AQI) for what purpose: To create awareness about the quality of air and its likely health impact

803) The recently launched National Air Quality Index will categorize air quality into how many categories: Six

804) World Junior Chess title 2014 was held at which place in India: Pune 805) Central govt has advised all states, union territories and Central

Armed Police Forces to recruit ___ per cent women in their ranks: 33 806) A five year old Indian boy Harshit Saumitra was in news for what

achievement: For climbing up the Everest Base Camp 807) India and _____ have agreed to set up hotlines between their army

headquarters: China 808) Which African country has recently been successful in controlling the

spread of deadly Ebola virus: Nigeria 809) Which state has launched the Farmers Empowerment Corporation to

provide agricultural debt redemption to farmers: Andhra Pradesh 810) Who has been elected as the new Chief Minister of Haryana:

Manohar Lal Khattar 811) Name the new Chief Minister of Maharashtra: Devendra Fadnavis 812) India has been re-elected as member of which important UN

organization: UN Human Rights Council 813) Wildscreen Panda Award is given in which field: Wildlife

Photography 814) What is the domain name of the Adhaar based Biometric Attendance

system launched by central govt. for its employees: attendance.gov.in

815) Who has been appointed as the chairman of Prasaar Bharati Board: Dr. A Surya Prakash

816) In the Gender Gap Index 2014, India has been placed at ____rank in a list of 142 countries: 114th

817) World Bank’s “Ease of Doing Business” report places India at _______ rank among 189 countries surveyed by it: 142nd

818) ________tops the list for the most equitable sharing of resources among men and women as per Gender Gap Index 2014: Iceland

819) In terms of ‘Ease of Doing Business’, _________ stands at no. 1 in the world: Singapore

820) Which organization compiles the Gender Gap Index report annually: World Economic Form

821) In the recently released Global Innovation Index 2014, India has been placed at which rank: 76th

SEPTEMBER – 2014 822) Padma Bhushan awardee Bipan Chandra was a authority on

economic and political ______ of India: History 823) Sathiraju Lakshminarayana, Veteran Telugu film director, artist and

cartoonist who passed away recently, was popularly known as ________: Bapu

824) Name the eminent jurist who has been appointed Governor of Kerala: P. Sathasivam

825) BWF World Badminton Championship was held at which place: Copenhagen, Denmark

826) Chen Long who won the men’s singles title at BWF World Badminton Championship, is from which country: China

827) Women’s singles title at BWF World Badminton Championship was won by_______: Carolina Marin

828) Name the badminton player of India who won the bronze medal in women’s single title at BWF World Badminton Championships: PV Sindhu

829) The famous international Nalanda University has been established at which place: Rajgir, Bihar

830) Prof. Amartya Sen is an eminent scholar of which field: Economics 831) Nabard has initiated a project on Core Banking Solutions - CBS for

which type of banks: Cooperative Banks 832) Name the legendary Telugu actor who passed away in January 2014:

Akkineni Nageswara Rao 833) For what reasons Akkineni Nageswara Rao, legendary Telugu actor

was in news recently: U.S. Post Service has issued a stamp in his honour

834) ‘Odyssey of My Life’ is the autobiography of which prominent political figure: Shivraj Patil

835) Japan has promised to provide all possible support to introduce the bullet train, along the Ahmedabad-Mumbai route. What is its Japanese name: Shinkansen

836) With which Japanese city India has signed a partnership agreement for development of Varanasi: Kyoto

837) What is the popular nick name for the Japanese city Kyoto: City of Thousand shrines

838) Prime minister of India recently visited Japan to meet _________, Prime Minister of Japan: Shinzo Abe

839) The parliament of Japan is named as ______: Diet 840) Name the world champion iconic sprinter who recently visited India:

Usain Bolt 841) Govt has setup Prof. B. N. Goldar committee for what purpose: To

develop the Producer Price Index 842) Which committee has been setup by the govt. to develop a new

inflation index- Producer Price Index to replace Wholesale Price Index: B. N. Goldar Committee

843) What is the purpose of Producer Price Index: To measure inflation 844) The proposed Producer Price Index aims to replace which existing

index: Whole Sale Price Index 845) What is the most prominent feature of the proposed Producer Price

Index: To cover services sector also 846) Name the new generation Naval Offshore Patrol Vessel that has

joined Indian Navy recently: INS Sumitra 847) Which country has unveiled a new surface-to-air missile - Talash-3:

Iran 848) What is the name of the autobiography of the Sachin Tendulkar:

Playing It My Way 849) In terms of global competitiveness, India ranks ___ in world: 71st 850) ____________ is the number one country in the world in terms of

global competiveness: Switzerland 851) Name the South African fast bowler, oldest surviving Test cricketer

who passed away recently at the age of 103 years: Norman Gordon 852) What is the special thing about Yashwardhan Shukla, author of the

book ‘Gods of Antractica’: He is 13 year old school boy 853) The Chabad House in Mumbai that reopened nearly six years after the

26/11 terror attack in November 2008 is a sacred ___________ of the Jews: Synagogue


854) Justice H.L. Dattu is the _______Chief Justice of India: 42nd 855) The historical Omari Mosque that was destroyed in the recent Israel-

Gaza conflict, was in which country: Gaza 856) With which country India has signed a Land Boundary Agreement

(LBA) to ensure zero border killings: Bangladesh 857) According to recent data from CSO, ____________outpaced all the

major states to top the economic growth charts with a scorching 11 per cent growth in 2013-14: Madhya Pradesh

858) In the recent rescue operations in J & K, hundreds of NDRF personnel worked round the clock to rescue thousands of marooned persons. What is the full form of NDRF: National Disaster Relief Force

859) Which major river of J & K caused heavy damage due to floods in the State: Jhelum

860) What is the name of the award for best film at the Venice Film Festival: Golden Lion

861) Name the Swedish film directed by Roy Anderson that won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival: A Pigeon Sat on a Branch While Reflecting on Existence

862) Name the film directed by Indian writer-director Chaitanya Tamhane that won award for best debut feature film at the Venice Film Festival: Court

863) Name the tennis star who won men’s single titles at the US open tennis: Marin Cilic

864) Marin Cilic, winner of US open 2014 is from which country: Croatia 865) Name the first ever male Asian player to play in the finals of US Open

Lawn Tennis Championship: Kei Nishnikori 866) Marin Cilic defeated Japan's ________to win men’s singles title at US

open: Kei Nishikori 867) Which Indian scientist and ecologist has won Midori Prize in

Biodiversity for his research on climate change in the Himalayas: Kamal Bawa

868) Name the author of the book ‘The Lives of Others’: Neel Mukherjee 869) The book ‘The Lives of Others’ by Neel Mukherjee was in news for

what reasons: it has been shortlisted for the prestigious Booker Prize 2014

870) Booker prize for literature are given in which country: England 871) RBI has fixed _______years as the upper age limit for managing

directors (MDs) and chief executive officers (CEOs) and other whole-time director of banks in the private sector: 70

872) Which Union Minister recently visited Afghanistan to meet President and to review key projects there: Sushma Swaraj

873) India has signed the _________ (FTA) in services and investments with 10 ASEAN countries: Free Trade Agreement

874) Which country launched two satellites - Yaogan-21 and Tiantuo-1 to relay information on natural resources, disaster management: China

875) With which neighbouring country India signed a MoU on cooperation in the field of traditional systems of medicine and homeopathy: Bangladesh

876) China has assured cooperation for setting up a automobile manufacturing industrial park at which place in India: Pune

877) Under which Indian law, Govt. of India is the sole authority to print Rupee one currency note: Coinage Act, 2011

878) RBI is authorized to issue currency notes upto which highest denomination:10,000

879) Govt. of India is empowered to issue coins upto which highest denomination: Rs. 1,000

880) Who has been appointed as head of the Expenditure Management Commission: Bimal Jalan

881) What is the purpose of setting up of Expenditure Management Commission: for suggesting ways to improve fiscal discipline

882) ‘Pehli Udaan’ and ‘Pehal Kadam’ are the names for which item:

Savings account for minors 883) Which bank has started savings account for minors by the name ‘Pehli

Udaan’ and ‘Pehal Kadam’: State Bank of India 884) Which bank has started cardless cash withdrawal facility from its

ATMs: ICICI Bank 885) The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved

the sale of stakes in how many PSUs: Three – ONGC, NHPC and CIL

886) 60th National School Games in six sporting disciplines will be held in November in which State: Punjab

887) DRDO successfully test-fired indigenously developed Agni-I - nuclear-capable missile recently. It is what type of missile: Surface-To-Surface

888) India’s first coral garden is proposed to be developed in which State: Gujarat

889) Which public sector bank has declared the Kingfisher Airlines as the ‘willful defaulter’: United Bank of India

890) Which State has launched the renovation and beautification work of the birthplace of famous author, journalist and critic George Orwell: Bihar

891) Name the prominent Bangladeshi Nazrul Sangeet singer who passed away recently: Firoza Begum

892) Who is India’s noted snooker and billiards champion to announce his retirement from the professional snooker: Pankaj Advani

893) With which country India has signed an agreement for cooperation in the field of skill development, solid waste management and cleaning of rivers: Germany

894) Scientists have warned that millions of lives could be at risk because of the threat to food crops in ‘Fertile Crescent’. Where is this area: Middle East Asia

895) H. Devraj Committee has been setup for what purpose: To examine working of 'C' category deemed universities

896) Which State has declared 9 September as Himalaya Diwas to spread the message of conservation of the Himalayan ecosystems: Uttarakhand

897) Saakshar Bharat Awards are given on which date: Sep. 8 International Literacy Day

898) Saakshar Bharat Awards are given for what purpose: For the best performance in the field of adult education

899) Saakshar Bharat Awards are given by which Union Ministry: Human Resource Development

900) North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) Summit 2014 was held in which place: Wales, U.K.

901) ‘Wales Resolution’ is the name given to the resolutions adopted at the recent summit of which international organization: NATO

902) Chitresh Tatha, a 12 year old boy is representing India at the 2014 Asian Games at Incheon, South Korea in which sports: Optimist Dinghy Race

903) General elections for electing Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) have been declared for how many states: Two (Haryana and Maharashtra)

904) Davis Cup Commitment Award is given for which category of Tennis player: Those who have competed in at least 20 ties

905) Name the winner of the Davis Cup Commitment award 2014: Rohan Bopanna

906) Country’s first 'Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve' (CDBR) is to be developed in which place: Spiti in Himachal Pradesh

907) President Pranab Mukherjee made a four-day state visit to Vietnam and met his counterpart __________: Truong Tan Sang

908) What is the currency of Vietnam: Dong 909) _______ is the capital of Vietnam: Hanoi


910) Which public sector organization is celebrating 55 years of its service: Doordarshan

911) First experimental centre of Doordarshan was established at which place: Delhi

912) Indonesian Masters Grand Prix Gold championship is for which sports: Badminton

913) The Indonesian Masters Grand Prix Gold championship – 2014 was held at which place: Palembang, Indonesia

914) Name the winner of the Indonesian Masters Grand Prix Gold championship – 2014: S Prannoy, India

915) FILA Senior World Wrestling Championship held in_________, Uzbekistan: Tashkent

916) Name the eminent scientist who has been named to head an expert panel to recommend best technologies for the "Swachh Bharat Abhiyan”: R A Mashelkar

917) Which country is helping India to set up 10 centres of excellence to raise agriculture output and introduce modern farm technologies: Netherlands

918) Indian Highways Management Company Limited (IHMCL) has inked a pact with ___________ for services related to electronic toll collection: Axis Bank and ICICI Bank

919) Which committee recommended idea of universal bank accounts that is bank account for every individual: Nachiket Mor

920) Name the China’s President who recently visited India: Xi Jinping 921) On which railway corridor China has assured technological support

for achieving speed of 160 kmph: Chennai – Bangalore – Mysore 922) Which Chinese city has signed a “sister city” agreement with

Ahmedabad: Guangzhou 923) China has agreed to opening of a new route to Kailash Mansarovar

via _________ in Sikkim: Nathu La 924) Which type of power projects are categorized as Ultra Megha Power

Project: Which generate more than 4000 MW or above electricity 925) Guangdong province of China has agreed to become partner in

cultural and social ties with which State of India: Gujarat 926) What is the name of currency of China: Renminbi (Yuan) 927) _______ is the capital of China: Beijing 928) The world’s highest and toughest marathon held at 3,524 meter

(11,562 feet) altitude is held at which place: Leh, J & K 929) Who has been appointed as the new Chairperson of the National

Commission for Women: Lalitha Kumaramangalam 930) Who has been appointed Chairman, Quality Council of India: Adil

Zainulbhai 931) Manoj Kumar a 2010 CWG boxing gold-medalist was in news for

what reasons: He has been given Arjun Award on Delhi High Court orders

932) 51st Shooting World Championship was held at which place: Granada, Spain

933) 20th Asian Junior Table Tennis Championships was held at_____ : Mumbai

934) What is the name given to the Joint Army Exercise between armed forces of American and India being held at Ranikhet, Uttarakhand: Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2014

935) Govt. has launched India Newborn Action Plan for what purpose: To achieve the single digit neonatal mortality and stillbirth rate by 2030

936) The 45th IFFI will be held from 20 to 30 November, 20 14 at which place: Goa

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