1.
On 4 December 2013, he was re-appointed as the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) Director-General at the 18th Session of the Conference of State Parties. This will be his second term in the office. The person is
Correct Answer
A. Ahmet Uzumcu
Explanation
Ahmet Uzumcu is the correct answer because he was re-appointed as the Director-General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) on 4 December 2013. This was confirmed at the 18th Session of the Conference of State Parties, marking his second term in the office.
2.
Name the anti-apartheid revolutionary of South Africa who died on 5 November 2013. He was 95 years old. He died in his house at Johannesburg following a prolong illness. He was also known as Madiba in South Africa.
Correct Answer
C. Nelson Mandela
Explanation
Nelson Mandela was an anti-apartheid revolutionary in South Africa who passed away on 5 November 2013 at the age of 95. He died at his house in Johannesburg after a long illness. Mandela was widely known as Madiba in South Africa.
3.
As per the declaration of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) on 6 November 2013, which Category of munitions was declared to have been destroyed by the Syrian Government?
Correct Answer
C. Category 3
Explanation
Category 3 munitions are unfilled chemical weapons.
4.
Park Geun-hye, the President of South Korea on 6 December 2013 agreed to join hands to denuclearize North Korea (DPRK) with whom?
Correct Answer
B. Vice President of US, JosepH Biden
Explanation
Park Geun-hye, the President of South Korea, agreed to join hands with Vice President of US, Joseph Biden, to denuclearize North Korea. This indicates that the two countries recognized the importance of working together to address the issue of North Korea's nuclear program.
5.
An informal Group of Ministers (GoM) on 6 December 2013 recommended a bailout package to the Sugar Industry. The bailout includes 7200 crore rupees at 12 percent interest rate to sugar mills by the banks to pay off the arrears of the sugarcane growers. The GoM was headed by
Correct Answer
B. Union Agriculture Minister, Sharad Pawar
Explanation
The correct answer is Union Agriculture Minister, Sharad Pawar. The informal Group of Ministers (GoM) recommended a bailout package to the Sugar Industry, which included 7200 crore rupees at 12 percent interest rate to sugar mills by the banks to pay off the arrears of the sugarcane growers. As the Union Agriculture Minister, Sharad Pawar would be responsible for overseeing and addressing issues related to the agriculture sector, including the sugar industry. Therefore, it is logical to conclude that he would head the GoM on this matter.
6.
Sri Lanka’s Board of Investment on 5 December 2013 announced plans to start how many export processing and industrial zones across the country. These economic zones will begin operations in 2014.
Correct Answer
D. Eight
Explanation
The correct answer is eight. Sri Lanka's Board of Investment announced plans to start eight export processing and industrial zones across the country. These economic zones are expected to begin operations in 2014.
7.
Jordan on 7 December 2013 was elected as a non-permanent member of United Nation Security Council (UNSC). The election of Jordan has filled the seat that was vacant after which country declined to accept the membership in protest of the failure of UNSC to end the Syrian and Israeli-Palestinian conflicts.
Correct Answer
A. Saudi Arabia
Explanation
Saudi Arabia declined to accept the membership in protest of the failure of UNSC to end the Syrian and Israeli-Palestinian conflicts. This created a vacancy in the non-permanent member seat of the United Nations Security Council. Jordan was then elected to fill this seat on 7 December 2013.
8.
The Union Cabinet on 5 December 2013 approved the Telangana draft Bill. This approval has set up the bifurcation of which State for carving out a new state of Telangana?
Correct Answer
A. Andhra Pradesh
Explanation
The correct answer is Andhra Pradesh. The Union Cabinet approved the Telangana draft Bill, which means that the state of Andhra Pradesh will be divided to create a new state called Telangana.
9.
Hyderabad will be the capital of two states, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana for a period of ____________?
Correct Answer
B. For a period not exceeding 10 years
Explanation
Hyderabad will be the capital of both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana for a period not exceeding 10 years. This means that Hyderabad will serve as the capital for both states, but the duration of this arrangement will not exceed 10 years. After this period, it is likely that the two states will establish separate capital cities.
10.
Armed Forces Flag Day was observed across India. The day is observed to remember the sacrifices made by gallant servicemen of India in defending the integrity of our borders and to salute the martyrs, honour the brave and express solidarity and support towards welfare of widows, children, disabled and sick ex-servicemen. The day is observed on?
Correct Answer
C. 7 December 2013
Explanation
Armed Forces Flag Day is observed on 7 December 2013. The day is dedicated to remembering the sacrifices made by the brave servicemen of India in protecting the country's borders. It is also a day to honor the martyrs, show support for the welfare of widows, children, disabled, and sick ex-servicemen. This day serves as an opportunity for the nation to express solidarity and gratitude towards the armed forces.
11.
Under which Article of the Constitution, the two States of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh will have special status for equitable opportunities for education and public employment
Correct Answer
D. Article 371-D of the Constitution of India
Explanation
Article 371-D of the Constitution of India grants special status to the two states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh for equitable opportunities for education and public employment. This article provides for the establishment of a separate development board for both states, which will be responsible for ensuring the proper utilization of funds for the development of these regions. It also allows for the reservation of seats in educational institutions and public services for local candidates in these states. This special provision recognizes the historical and socio-economic disparities in these regions and aims to promote their overall development.
12.
Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act 2013 came into force on 6 December 2013 across India except which state?
Correct Answer
D. Rajasthan
Explanation
The Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act 2013 was implemented in India on 6 December 2013, except in the state of Rajasthan. This act aims to prohibit the employment of manual scavengers, who are individuals engaged in the hazardous and inhumane practice of manually cleaning and handling human waste. The act also focuses on the rehabilitation and welfare of manual scavengers, providing them with alternative livelihood options and ensuring their social inclusion. However, Rajasthan has not implemented this act, which means that manual scavenging may still be prevalent in the state, posing a threat to the dignity and safety of individuals involved in this occupation.
13.
Recently, Ali Osman Taha, vice-president of a country, resigned to pave the way for a new government. The country in question had been facing civil war since long. The country in question is
Correct Answer
B. Sudan
Explanation
The correct answer is Sudan. The resignation of Ali Osman Taha, the vice-president, suggests a political transition in a country that has been experiencing a long-standing civil war. Sudan fits this description as it has been grappling with internal conflicts, particularly the civil war in Darfur, for many years.
14.
The Supreme Court of India on 5 December 2013 favoured punishment of _________ for people indulging in production and marketing of adulterated milk.
Correct Answer
A. Life imprisonment
Explanation
The Supreme Court of India, on 5 December 2013, supported the idea of imposing life imprisonment as a punishment for individuals involved in the production and sale of adulterated milk. This implies that those found guilty of such activities would be sentenced to spend their entire life in prison as a consequence of their actions.
15.
The 9th WTO Ministerial Meet concluded in Bali on 6 December 2013. In this context which one of the following was not agreed upon by the member countries?
Correct Answer
C. Agreement on Services
Explanation
The 9th WTO Ministerial Meet in Bali concluded with agreements on various issues such as trade facilitation and permits for storing food grains in times of contingency. However, an agreement on services was not reached by the member countries. This means that there was no consensus or understanding among the countries regarding the liberalization of trade in services.
16.
The 8th Asia Gas Partnership Summit concluded on 4 December 2013 which was organized by GAIL in collaboration with the FICCI. The theme of the Summit was
Correct Answer
B. Challenges and opportunities in the changing paradigm in Asia
Explanation
The correct answer is "Challenges and opportunities in the changing paradigm in Asia." This is because the theme of the 8th Asia Gas Partnership Summit, as mentioned in the given information, was focused on discussing the challenges and opportunities that arise from the changing paradigm in Asia's gas market. The summit aimed to explore green alternatives to existing fossil fuel consumption and to collaborate effectively in order to meet these challenges.
17.
Who was crowned with the pageant of Miss Earth 2013 at the Versailles Palace, Philippines? She was crowned with the pageant of Miss World by Tereza Fajksova, the Miss Earth 2012 from Czech Republic.
Correct Answer
B. Miss Venezuela Alyz Henrich
Explanation
Miss Venezuela Alyz Henrich was crowned with the pageant of Miss Earth 2013 at the Versailles Palace, Philippines. She received the crown from Tereza Fajksova, the Miss Earth 2012 from Czech Republic.
18.
Brazuka, the official 2014 FIFA World Cup match ball was unveiled on 3 December 2013. Who is the manufacturer of the Brazuka?
Correct Answer
C. Adidas
Explanation
The correct answer is Adidas. Adidas is the manufacturer of the Brazuka, the official match ball for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. They unveiled the ball on 3 December 2013.
19.
International Volunteer Day (IVD) was celebrated on 5 December. The day gives volunteers a chance to work together on projects and campaigns promoting their contributions to economic and social development at local, national and international levels. The theme for the year 2013 was
Correct Answer
A. Young-Global-Active
Explanation
The theme for International Volunteer Day 2013 was "Young-Global-Active." This theme suggests that the focus of the day was on engaging and empowering young people to become active participants in global initiatives and projects. It highlights the importance of involving young individuals in volunteer work and recognizing their contributions to economic and social development at all levels - local, national, and international.
20.
Sushma Singh was appointed as the Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) of India on 6 December 2013. She is the second lady to be appointed as CIC and will replace the first lady to be appointed as CIC. The lady in question is
Correct Answer
C. Deepak Sandhu
21.
Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act 2013 prohibits the employment of manual scavengers, the manual cleaning of sewers and septic tanks without protective equipment and the construction of insanitary latrines. The law came into effect on
Correct Answer
D. 6 December 2013
Explanation
The correct answer is 6 December 2013. This is the date when the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act 2013 came into effect. This act prohibits the employment of manual scavengers, the manual cleaning of sewers and septic tanks without protective equipment, and the construction of insanitary latrines.
22.
Where will the 2018 Winter Olympics held?
Correct Answer
B. PyeongChang in South Korea
Explanation
The 2018 Winter Olympics will be held in PyeongChang, South Korea.
23.
India was chosen as the host country for Under-17 FIFA World Cup in 2017 by the FIFA executive committee in its meeting at Salvador de Bahia in Brazil on 5 December 2013. India outbid which other countries in the race to host U-17 FIFA World Cup 2017?
Correct Answer
B. Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Ireland and South Africa
Explanation
India outbid Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Ireland, and South Africa to host the U-17 FIFA World Cup in 2017.
24.
In which country the Suzlon group got orders to supply wind turbines as declared by the company?
Correct Answer
C. Germany
Explanation
The correct answer is Germany. The Suzlon group received orders to supply wind turbines in Germany as declared by the company.
25.
Who is the chairman of world famous wind turbine maker Suzlon?
Correct Answer
B. Tulsi Tanti
Explanation
Tulsi Tanti is the correct answer because he is the chairman of Suzlon, a well-known wind turbine maker.
26.
Which country has declared to phase out all nuclear power by 2022?
Correct Answer
C. Germany
Explanation
Germany has declared to phase out all nuclear power by 2022. This decision was made after the Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan in 2011, which led to increased concerns about the safety of nuclear power. Germany's decision to phase out nuclear power reflects their commitment to transitioning to renewable energy sources and reducing their reliance on nuclear energy.
27.
Where will the 2014 Winter Olympics be held?
Correct Answer
A. Sochi in Russia
Explanation
The 2014 Winter Olympics were held in Sochi, Russia.
28.
India was ranked 94th out of 177 countries on Global Corruption Perception Index 2013, which was released by Transparency International on 3 December 2013. The least corrupt countries according to the Index are
Correct Answer
A. Finland and Switzerland
Explanation
The correct answer is Finland and Switzerland. This is because the question asks for the least corrupt countries according to the Global Corruption Perception Index 2013. The Index ranks countries based on their perceived levels of public sector corruption. Finland and Switzerland were ranked as the least corrupt countries in that year's index.
29.
Scientists at Oxford have developed a novel vaccine for Malaria. The vaccine has shown to have a protective effect through a sufficiently high immune response involving cells called
Correct Answer
A. CD8 T Cells
Explanation
The correct answer is CD8 T Cells. Scientists at Oxford have developed a novel vaccine for Malaria that has shown to have a protective effect through a sufficiently high immune response involving CD8 T cells. CD8 T cells, also known as cytotoxic T cells, play a crucial role in the immune response by recognizing and killing infected cells. This immune response helps to prevent the spread and replication of the Malaria parasite in the body, ultimately leading to protection against the disease. CD10 T cells and CD4 T cells are not specifically mentioned in relation to the vaccine's protective effect.
30.
Which State Government on 3 December 2013 approved a new surrender and rehabilitation policy for Maoist that aims to convince the Naxals to put down arms and lead a normal life and bring youths to the mainstream of society?
Correct Answer
D. Bihar
Explanation
Bihar approved a new surrender and rehabilitation policy for Maoists on 3 December 2013. This policy aims to convince Naxals to surrender their weapons and reintegrate into society, leading a normal life. It also focuses on bringing the youth who have been influenced by Maoist ideology back into the mainstream of society.