March 2018

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Objective Current Affairs: March, 2018
Last Updated: April 8, 2018

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Objective Current Aﬀairs: March, 2018
1.
Which state government has recently set up toll-free helpline to provide information to students?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Maharashtra
[C] Karnataka
[D] Punjab
Correct Answer: A [Tamil Nadu]
Explanation:
The Tamil Nadu Government has set up a 24-hour helpline that would provide information on education
and offer guidance to students on March 1, 2018. Chief Minister K Palaniswami has formally launched the
toll-free number – 14417 through the 24-hour Education Guidance Centre set up at the Secretariat that
would offer information relating to school education and offer guidance to students.
2.
Which city hosted the 27th Technological Conference of IJIRA on Shaping the Future of Jute?
[A] Jaipur
[B] Kolkata
[C] New Delhi
[D] Patna
Correct Answer: B [Kolkata]
Explanation:
The 27th Technological Conference of Indian Jute Industries’ Research Association (IJIRA) on Shaping the
Future of Jute was held in Kolkata, West Bengal. The function was focused on the promotion of geotextiles
in the northeast region. Geotextiles are absorbent fabrics which, when used in association with soil, have
the ability to separate, filter, reinforce, protect or drain.
3.
What is the Zero Discrimination Day campaign for year 2018?
[A] What never …
[B] What not …
[C] What if …
[D] What sure …
Correct Answer: C [What if …]
Explanation:
The Zero Discrimination Day (ZDD) is observed every year on March 1 to promote the idea that everyone
has a right to live with dignity. The day is also meant to highlight how everyone can be part of the
transformation and take a stand towards a fair and just society. It recognizes that no one should ever be
discriminated against because of their age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, race,
ethnicity, language, health (including HIV) status, geographical location, economic status or migrant status,
or for any other reason. This year (2018), the Zero Discrimination Day campaign invites people to ask
themselves “What if …” and to reflect upon their own actions.
4.
India will provide how much amount of financial assistance to Jordan in the form of vaccines and medicines
for 2018?
[A] $5 million
[B] $2 million
[C] $4 million
[D] $6 million
Correct Answer: A [$5 million]
Explanation:
India will provide $5 million dollar assistance to Jordan in the form of vaccines and medicines in 2018. Apart
from this, India and Jordan have inked 12 agreements in areas including Defence, Health and Cultural
Exchange Programme. The other MoUs include cooperation between Prasar Bharati and Jordan TV
Cooperation and Indian Institute of Mass Communication and Jordan Media Institute (JMI). The MoU
between Prasar Bharti and Jordan TV provides for cooperation in the fields of exchange and co-production
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of programs, training of personnel and further coordination. The pacts were inked after delegation-level
talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and King of Jordan Abdullah II Bin Al Hussein in New Delhi.
The King Abdullah II arrived in New Delhi on February 27 on a three-day visit to India.
5.
Arabinda Muduli, the noted bhajan singer has passed away. He belonged to which state?
[A] Bihar
[B] Mizoram
[C] Nagaland
[D] Odisha
Correct Answer: D [Odisha ]
Explanation:
Arabinda Muduli (56), the noted Odia Bhajan singer, musician and lyricist, has passed away in Bhubaneswar,
Odisha on March 1, 2018. Having rendered over 3,000 songs, Muduli would be remembered for his hit
bhajans like Kala Saante Acha Kemante and Jaga Pain Niti Mali Phula. He was a devotee of lord Jagannath
and sang only Bhajans. He was a disciple of legendary bhajan singer Bhikari Bal. A musician, singer and
lyricist, Muduli enthralled the audience with devotional songs and had won the hearts of millions of people
in Odisha and elsewhere.
6.
Which Indian naval command has conducted tri-Services maritime exercise ‘Paschim Leher (XPL -18)’ in the
Arabian Sea?
[A] Eastern Naval Command
[B] Western Naval Command
[C] Southern Naval Command
[D] Andaman & Nicobar Command
Correct Answer: B [Western Naval Command]
Explanation:
The Western Naval Command has carried out three-week long tri-Services maritime exercise termed
‘Paschim Leher (XPL – 2018)’ in the Arabian Sea from February 12 with an aim of building inter- operability.
In addition, units from Eastern Naval Command, Indian Army, Indian Air Force and the Indian Coast Guard
also participated in the exercise. The exercise involves 40 warships and submarines, helicopters,
reconnaissance aircraft and UAVs. The exercise includes a number of weapon firings, including missile, gun
and torpedo firings during the initial phase. The second phase is structured to validate and refine the
operational plans of the Western Naval Command. The XPL 2018 enabled testing and revalidation of
operational plans and manoeuvres in a hostile maritime scenario on India’s Western Seaboard. The
maritime exercise, which came after the Eastern Naval Command Operational Readiness Exercise
(ENCORE), is ostensibly being conducted to show China India’s military prowess.
7.
India has successfully test-fired Anti Tank Guided Missiles (ATGM) Nag in desert conditions. The Nag missile
has been developed by which Indian organisation?
[A] DRDO
[B] BARC
[C] ISRO
[D] All of the above
Correct Answer: A [DRDO]
Explanation:
India has successfully test-fired Anti Tank Guided Missiles (ATGM) Nag in desert conditions against two
tank targets at different ranges and timings on Feb 28, 2018. With this, the developmental trials of the
missile have been completed and it is now ready for induction. The third-generation ‘fire-and-forget’ anti-
tank missile ‘Nag’ has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP). It has a operational range of 500m to
4km (Land version) & 7-10km (Air-launched).
8.
The 42nd Civil Accounts Day (CAD-2018) is celebrated on which date in India?

[A] February 28
[B] March 1
[C] February 27
[D] March 2
Correct Answer: B [March 1]
Explanation:
The 42nd Civil Accounts Day (CAD-2018) was celebrated by Indian Civil Accounts Service (ICAS) on March 1
in New Delhi to mark the 42nd anniversary of the beginning of the ICAS on this day in 1976. The ICAA is one
of the Civil Services of India (“Group A”), which functions under the Department of Expenditure in the
Union Ministry of Finance. It performs a key role in delivery of financial management services for the
Government of India. The organisation provides payment services, supports the tax collection system,
performs government wide accounting, financial reporting functions, preparation of budget estimates and
carries out Internal Audit in civil ministries of the Union Government.
9.
The Nathpa Jhakri Dam (NJD) is built across which river in Himachal Pradesh?
[A] Satluj River
[B] Beas River
[C] Ravi River
[D] Tons River
Correct Answer: A [Satluj River]
Explanation:
The Nathpa Jhakri Dam is a concrete gravity dam on the Sutlej river in Himachal Pradesh. The primary
purpose of the dam is hydroelectric power production and it supplies a 1,500 megawatts underground
power station with water. Before reaching the power station, water is diverted through a 27.4 km headrace
tunnel.
10.
The All India Radio and National Book Trust (NBT) has signed a MoU to preserve and promote cultural
heritage. Where is the headquarters of NBT located?
[A] Delhi
[B] Pune
[C] Kolkata
[D] Bhopal
Correct Answer: A [Delhi]
Explanation:
The All India Radio (AIR) and National Book Trust (NBT) has recently signed a MoU to preserve and
promote cultural heritage and folk songs sung on various occasion across the country. Several traditional
and folk songs have been recorded under the Akashvani Lok Sampada Sanrakhshan Mahapariyojana. The
MoU was inked in presence of Director General of AIR, F. Shehreyar and NBT Chairman, Baldeo Bhai
Sharma in New Delhi. Through NBT, All India Radio will provide information to people about the rich
heritage of folk songs preserved by it. The NBT will publish the Sanskar and folk songs. The NBT is an
Indian publishing house functions under aegis of Ministry of Human Resource The headquarters of NBT is
located in Vasant Kunj, Delhi.
11.
The Union Cabinet has approved the establishment of NFRA to oversee auditors. What does ‘NFRA’ stands
for?
[A] National Fund Reporting Authority
[B] National Financial Reporting Authority
[C] National Finance Reporting Authority
[D] National File Reporting Authority
Correct Answer: B [National Financial Reporting Authority]
Explanation:
The Union Cabinet has approved the establishment of National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA). The
NFRA will act as an independent regulator for the auditing profession which was one of the key changes

brought in by the Companies Act 2013. The jurisdiction of NFRA for investigation of Chartered Accountants
and their firms will be extended to the listed companies and large unlisted public companies. The Cabinet
also gave nod to the Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill – 2018 to deal with those escaping overseas to avoid
getting caught. The Bill will help in laying down measures to deter economic offenders from evading the
process of Indian law by remaining outside the jurisdiction of Indian Courts. According to Union Finance
ministry, the economic offences worth Rs 100 crore or more will come under the purview of the Bill.
12.
Vinesh Phogat has bagged silver in which freestyle category at the 2018 Asian Wrestling Championship in
Kyrgyzstan?
[A] 65kg
[B] 54kg
[C] 50kg
[D] 59kg
Correct Answer: C [50kg]
Explanation:
India’s star wrestler Vinesh Phogat has settled for Silver Medal in the 50kg Freestyle competition at the
Asian Wrestling Championship in Kyrgyzstan on March 1. In the final of the event at Bishkek, she lost to
China’s Chun Lei. Another Indian, Sangeeta claimed Bronze in 59kg division.
13.
Khagendra Jamataia, who passed away recently, was associated with which political party?
[A] INC
[B] BJP
[C] NCP
[D] CPI (M)
Correct Answer: D [CPI (M)]
Explanation:
Khagendra Jamataia (64), the Tripura Fisheries and Cooperation minister, has passed away in New Delhi on
March 2, 2018. Jamataia was a CPI (M) candidate from the Krishnapur constituency in the February 18
assembly election. Jamatia had joined CPI (M) in 1983 and had been winning from Krishnapur constituency
since 1988. This is the second setback for CPI (M) after the death of Ramendra Narayan Debbarma who was
contesting from Charilam (ST) constituency.
14.
Justice S. Ratnavel Pandian, the former Supreme Court judge has passed away. He headed which Central Pay
Commission?
[A] 5th
[B] 6th
[C] 3rd
[D] 4th
Correct Answer: A [5th]
Explanation:
Justice S. Ratnavel Pandian (89), the former Supreme Court judge, has passed away at Chennai, Tamil Nadu
on February 28, 2018. He was a multi-faceted personality who tried his hands in politics before entering the
legal profession. In the apex court, he was part of a Bench that decided the famous Indra Sawhney case, in
which the constitutionality of reservations to Backward Classes was upheld in 1992. After his retirement in
1994, Justice Pandian headed the 5th Central Pay Commission and submitted its final report in April 1997.
He took over as chairperson of the National Commission for Backward Classes on August 14, 2006 and was
given the status of Union Cabinet Minister for the duration of the term of his office, which lasted till 2009.
15.
The world’s largest solar park has launched in which state?
[A] Odisha
[B] Madhya Pradesh
[C] Rajasthan
[D] Karnataka

Correct Answer: D [Karnataka]
Explanation:
The Karnataka government has launched the world’s largest solar park ‘Shakti Sthalaon’ at Pavagada in
Tumakuru district, about 180km from Bengaluru. The solar park has a capacity of 2,000 MW and has set up
at an investment of Rs16,500 crore. The first phase of the park will generate 600MW, while the balance
1,400MW is expected to be commissioned by the end of 2018. The park will create employment and act as an
incentive for natives and farmers to explore new opportunities of socio-economic growth in the region.
16.
Which country’s team has won the 2018 IBSF Snooker Team World Cup?
[A] China
[B] India
[C] Pakistan
[D] Japan
Correct Answer: B [India]
Explanation:
The Indian Snooker team has lifted the first edition of IBSF Snooker Team World Cup title and won the
prize money of $15,000. The Indian duo of Pankaj Advani and Manan Chandra defeated Pakistan
(Muhammad Asif, Babar Masih) in the best-of-five final played in Doha on March 2.
17.
Which Bollywood personality has won the lifetime achievement award at the 2018 ‘Political and Public Life
Awards’ in UK?
[A] Amitabh Bachchan
[B] Boman Irani
[C] Jackie Shroff
[D] Shatrughan Sinha
Correct Answer: D [Shatrughan Sinha]
Explanation:
Actor-politician Shatrughan Sinha has been honoured with a lifetime achievement award for his
contribution to the fields of arts and politics at a ceremony in the UK’s Parliament complex on March 2,
2018. The annual ‘Political and Public Life Awards’ presented by Britain’s Asian Voice weekly newspaper,
recognises individuals who have made a significant impact on public life or made a difference in their local
communities. Sinha, who started his career as an actor in late 1960s, has to his credit over 225 Hindi feature
films besides several in other Indian languages. A member of the ruling BJP, he represents Bihar state’s
Patna Sahib constituency in the Lok Sabha, the lower house of Parliament.
18.
The 2018 cultural festival ‘India by the Nile’ will be held in which country?
[A] Nigeria
[B] South Sudan
[C] Egypt
[D] Tunisia
Correct Answer: C [Egypt ]
Explanation:
The mega annual cultural festival ‘India by the Nile’ will be held in Cairo, Egypt from March 6, 2018 with
main focus on classical culture. The 12-day event will host a wide range of events to celebrate Indian culture
and its diversity. It is the biggest foreign festival in Egypt which provides audiences an Indian cultural
experience and encourages artistic collaborations between India and Egypt will be held in several cities
such as Cairo. The festival, which is organised by the Embassy of India in Egypt and the Maulana Azad
Centre for Indian Culture in collaboration with entertainment company Teamwork Arts, is a celebration of
contemporary and classical music, dance, theatre, visual arts, film, food and literature.
19.
Which Indian woman wrestler has clinched India’s first gold at the 2018 Senior Asian Wrestling
Championships?
[A] Navjot Kaur

[B] Vinesh Phogat

[C] Sakshi Malik
[D] Sangeeta Phogat
Correct Answer: A [Navjot Kaur]
Explanation:
Navjot Kaur has scripted history by becoming the first Indian woman to win a Gold medal at the Senior
Asian Wrestling Championships. She clinched the coveted yellow metal in the 65 kg freestyle category at
the tournament held at Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan on March 2, 2018. Navjot defeated Japan’s Miya Imai, 9-1 in a
one-sided final bout yesterday to give India’s its first Gold of the ongoing Championships. Rio Olympics
Bronze medallist Sakshi Malik won a bronze in the 62 kg division after getting the better of Kazakhstan’s
Ayaulym Kassymova, 10-7.The two medals took India’s medals tally to six – 1 Gold, 1 Silver and 4 Bronze.
20.
Who has been elected as the new president of Republic of Armenia?
[A] Robert Kocharyan
[B] Armen Sarkisian
[C] Serzh Sargsyan
[D] Levon Ter-Petrosyan
Correct Answer: B [Armen Sarkisian]
Explanation:
Armen Vardani Sarkissian has been elected as the new president of Republic of Armenia on March 2, 2018.
Sarkissian will succeed Serzh Sarkisian and will assume the presidency in April 9, 2018. This was the first
time in Armenia’s history when the president was elected by the National Assembly instead of popular vote.
Sarkissian served as Prime minister of Armenia from November 1996 to March 1997. Previously, he had
been Armenia’s ambassador in London. He has also served as the Armenian ambassador to the European
Union, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and the Holy See.
21.
Manu Bhaker won gold in 10m air pistol women event at the 2018 ISSF World Cup in Mexico. She hails from
which Indian state?
[A] Punjab
[B] Madhya Pradesh
[C] Karnataka
[D] Haryana
Correct Answer: D [Haryana ]
Explanation:
India’s shooter Manu Bhaker from Haryana won the gold medal in 10 metre Air Pistol Women event at the
2018 ISSF World Cup in Guadalajara, Mexico on March 4. She shot 237.5 points to bag top honour at the
ongoing event. Meanwhile, in the men’s 10-metre Air Rifle event, Ravi Kumar won a Bronze, which was his
first World Cup medal. India has so far bagged 4 medals – two gold and two bronze at the event. A total of
404 athletes from 50 National Olympic Committees are participating in the in the 12-day competition,
which will have 15 medal events including three mixed team events. India has fielded a 33-member squad.
22.
Which city is hosting the 19th edition of FICCI Frames 2018?
[A] Mumbai
[B] Pune
[C] New Delhi
[D] Kochi
Correct Answer: A [Mumbai]
Explanation:
The 19th edition of FICCI Frames has inaugurated by Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Smiriti
Irani in Mumbai, Maharashtra on March 5, 2018. The 3-day global convention covering the entire gamut of
Media and Entertainment Industry will attract not only the industry stakeholders from across the world
but also the government policy makers from India and abroad. The event will have more than 35 knowledge
sessions by experts besides having over 200 high profile speakers from across the world. This year a first

edition of Content Market has been added with over 70 buyers for a curated slate of new Indian Films. A
special screening facility has also been set up to introduce festival programmers and key buyers to selected
new Indian films. It is attended by nearly 2000 Indian and 800 foreign delegates encompassing the entire
universe of media and entertainment.
23.
Who has won the best actress award at the 90th Academy Awards 2018?
[A] Allison Janney
[B] Sally Hawkins
[C] Frances McDormand
[D] Saoirse Ronan
Correct Answer: C [Frances McDormand]
Explanation:
Frances McDormand has won the best actress award at the 90th Academy Awards 2018 for her
performance as a grieving mother in movie “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”, at the award
ceremony held at Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on March 5. It is the second time McDormand
has picked up the best actress statuette, following a 1996 win for her performance in Fargo. Beside her, Gary
Oldman won the Oscar for the Best actor for portraying the role of former British Prime Minister Winston
Churchill in the period drama in movie ‘Darkest Hour’. Allison Janney took home the coveted Best
Supporting Actress award for ‘I, Tonya’, while Sam Rockwell won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for
his role in Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.
24.
Which state government has launched ‘Ama Gaon, Ama Vikas’ programme?
[A] Manipur
[B] Kerala
[C] Odisha
[D] West Bengal
Correct Answer: C [Odisha ]
Explanation:
The Odisha government has launched a programme “Ama Gaon, Ama Vikas (Our Village, our development)”
to reach out to the people in rural areas and involve themselves in the developmental activities. Chief
Minister Naveen Patnaik has flagged off mobile video vans for ‘Ama Gaon Ama Vikas’ programme that will
move across the State to highlight various welfare schemes at villages in the state. Through these Wi-Fi
enabled latest technology video wall vans, people can directly send their grievances to the Chief Minister’s
Office at the Secretariat in Bhubaneswar. This initiative will help people in solving their grievances
instantly.
25.
Prafulla Das, the renowned litterateur has passed away. He was belonged to which state?
[A] Assam
[B] Odisha
[C] West Bengal
[D] Karnataka
Correct Answer: B [Odisha ]
Explanation:
Prafulla Das (91), the renowned litterateur, has passed at Rajkanika in Kendrapara district of Odisha on
March 3, 2018. He was a recipient of the prestigious “Sarala Award” for his achievement in the literary field.
‘Banhimana’, the biography of freedom fighter Malati Chaudhury, brought him the Sarala Award in 2014.
Das had written a number of books on the history of India’s freedom struggle and the role of Odisha.
26.
Which state government has signed a MoU with e-Governance Foundation (e-Gov) of Nandan Nilekani to
provide citizen centric services??
[A] Punjab
[B] Andhra Pradesh
[C] Himachal Pradesh

[D] Haryana
Correct Answer: A [Punjab ]
Explanation:
The Punjab Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with e-Governance
Foundation (e-Gov) of Nandan Nilekani regarding the managing of electronic governance of Urban Local
Bodies (ULBs) throughout Punjab. With this, a total of 67 services would be provided online within a span of
one year under 12 modules — that are property tax, water and sewerage management, complaints and
grievance, licensing, fire service, verification, birth and death, ULB web portal, mobile application, state and
ULB dashboards, payroll and financial accounting.
27.
India has signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with which countries for civil nuclear
cooperation?
[A] USA & Nepal
[B] Japan & Myanmar
[C] Russia & Bangladesh
[D] Germany & Sri Lanka
Correct Answer: C [Russia & Bangladesh]
Explanation:
For the first time, India has signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with foreign partners
— Russia & Bangladesh — for civil nuclear cooperation. The MoU will be helpful for cooperation in
construction of Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant in Pabna, Bangladesh. This will be first ever nuclear power
plant in Bangladesh. It was signed in Moscow by deputy director general of Rosatom (Russia’s Alex civil
nuclear body) Nikolay Spassky, ambassador of Bangladesh in Russia SM Saiful Hoque and Indian
ambassador to Russia Pankaj Saran. The Rooppur project is the first initiative under an Indo-Russian deal to
undertake atomic energy projects in third countries. This will also be the first time Indian companies will be
able to participate in a nuclear power project abroad. India is not a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group
(NSG) and hence cannot participate directly in construction of atomic power reactors. The Nuclear Power
Cooperation of India Limited (NPCIL) will play a key role in building a nuclear power plant on foreign soil
with the proposed supply of equipment and material for the power station being built by Russia in
Bangladesh.
28.
Which Indian chess master has clinched the 2018 Tal Memorial Rapid Chess tournament in Moscow?
[A] Tania Sachdev
[B] Koneru Humpy
[C] Parimarjan Negi
[D] Viswanathan Anand
Correct Answer: D [Viswanathan Anand]
Explanation:
Viswanathan Anand, the five-time world champion, has won the 11thTal Memorial Chess tournament (rapid
section) 2018 with a score of 6.0/9 in Moscow on March 4. The win came after an easy final round draw
against Boris Gelfand of Israel. . The trophy adds to Anand’s world rapid title won in Riyadh over two
months ago. The Tal Memorial Rapid is a 10-player single round-robin taking place in the Museum of
Russian Impressionism in Moscow. The ten top players were competing for a $130,000 prize fund, with
$25,000 for 1st place.
29.
Vinod Kumar Omprakash has clinched bronze in which men’s freestyle category at the 2018 Asian Wrestling
Championships?
[A] 65kg
[B] 70kg
[C] 62kg
[D] 60kg
Correct Answer: B [70kg]
Explanation:

Vinod Kumar Omprakash has clinched bronze in men’s 70kg freestyle at the 2018 Asian Wrestling
Championships at Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Also, defending champion Bajrang Punia won bronze in men’s 65kg
freestyle on March 3. Earlier, in the tournament, Navjot Kaur scripted history by becoming the first Indian
woman wrestler to win gold in the senior continental championship as she clinched the yellow metal in the
65kg freestyle category. Rio Olympics bronze medallist Sakshi Malik won a bronze in the 62kg freestyle
category. With this, the medal haul includes one Gold, one Silver and six Bronze medals.
30.
Which India sports personality has become the brand ambassador of gaming platform Dream 11?
[A] Sachin Tendulkar
[B] Yuvraj Singh
[C] Saurab Ganguli
[D] M S Dhoni
Correct Answer: D [M S Dhoni]
Explanation:
Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the noted an Indian cricketer, has become a brand ambassador of gaming platform
Dream11 on March 5, 2018. Dhoni, who had led the country to a famous triumph in the inaugural World T20
Championship in 2007, would be the new face of the gaming platform’s multi-channel marketing
campaigns and brand engagement activities. Dhoni captained the Indian team in limited-overs formats
from 2007 to 2016 and in Test cricket from 2008 to 2014. Currently the gaming platform has a user base of
2 crore sports fans playing “fantasy cricket, football, kabaddi and NBA.
31.
Conrad Sangma has been sworn-in as the 12th Chief Minister of Meghalaya. He is MP from which Lok Sabha
constituency?
[A] Shillong
[B] Tura
[C] Mawlai
[D] Nongkrem
Correct Answer: B [Tura]
Explanation:
Conrad Sangma, the President of National People’s Party (NPP) & currently a Member of Parliament (MP)
from Tura Lok Sabha constituency, has been sworn-in as the 12th Chief Minister of Meghalaya. He is the son
of former Lok Sabha Speaker late PA Sangma. NPP won 19 seats in the recently held Assembly polls and
cobbled up a coalition government in the state with the support of other regional parties, the BJP and an
Independent MLA. P A Sangma was a former Union minister and Lok Sabha speaker. He was also the
Meghalaya chief minister from 1988 to 1990.
32.
Which Indian naval command is hosting the multinational mega event ‘Milan 2018’ at Port Blair?
[A] Eastern Naval Command
[B] Western Naval Command
[C] Southern Naval Command
[D] Andaman & Nicobar Naval Command
Correct Answer: D [Andaman & Nicobar Naval Command]
Explanation:
The Andaman Nicobar naval command is organizing multinational mega event “Milan 2018” with theme
‘Friendship Across the Seas’ at Port Blair in Andaman & Nicobar islands from March 6 to March 13, 2018.
The purpose of Milan 2018 is to enhance regional cooperation for combating Unlawful Activities at sea will
be organised. The highlights of Milan 2018 are an international maritime seminar cultural and social
exchanges, band concert, ship visit, sports and city parade. For the first time, Oman is also participating in
this biennial exercise. This prestigious international event will also see participation of 38 delegates from
the 16 participating countries, making it the largest gathering since its inception in 1995.
33.
Which committee has been constituted by the Union Government to study issues in Fintech space?
[A] Arun Jaitley committee

[B] Ajit Doval committee

[C] Subhash Chandra Garg committee
[D] Manohar Parrikar committee
Correct Answer: C [Subhash Chandra Garg committee]
Explanation:
The Union government has set up a steering committee to consider various issues relating to the
development of Fintech space in India with a view to make Fintech related regulations more flexible and
generate enhanced entrepreneurship. The move is a follow up to the announcement made by Finance
Minister Arun Jaitley in his Budget speech of 2018-19. The 8-member committee headed by Economic
Affairs Secretary, Subhash Chandra Garg will also focus on how Fintech can be leveraged to enhance
financial inclusion of MSMEs. According to the terms and reference, the committee will take stock of the
developments in the fintech sector globally, and in India. It will also work with Government agencies like
UIDAI to explore creation and use of unique enterprise identification number.
34.
The 2018 Shigmotsav festival has started in which state?
[A] Assam
[B] Goa
[C] Maharashtra
[D] West Bengal
Correct Answer: B [Goa]
Explanation:
The Shigmotsav is the biggest festival for the Hindus in Goa, which is celebrated in the month of Phalguna
(March) from the 9th moon day to full moon day as per the Hindu calendar. The 5th day is called ‘Rang
Panchami’. This day of rejoicing is celebrated with the abundant use of ‘Gulal’ or red powder. This year, in
2018, the 2-week long festival has started from March 3. The Shigmotsav or Shigmo is one of the several
cultural festivals of the coastal state and is celebrated through colours, costumes, music, dance and parades.
The Shigmo parades will give one and all a chance to take a glimpse at the life of a Goan which is depicted in
elaborate folk performances by local men and women who dance tirelessly in huge processions along with
the parade. Folk dances like Ghode Modni and Fugdi will be performed on the streets in massive troupes
along the procession, showcasing the traditions of Goa.
35.
Javed Abidi, the noted disability rights activist has passed away. He belonged to which state?
[A] Uttar Pradesh
[B] Himachal Pradesh
[C] Telangana
[D] Rajasthan
Correct Answer: A [Uttar Pradesh]
Explanation:
Javed Abidi (53), the noted disability rights activist, has passed away in New Delhi on March 4, 2018. A
former civil servant, Abidi was one of the most authoritative voices in the field of disability rights and
believed in engaging the government for ensuring betterment of the persons with disabilities. Abidi was
instrumental in the drafting and passage of The Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection
of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995 and was the director of the National Centre for Promotion of
Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP), which he has set up in 1996. He was also the founder of the
Disability Rights Group, and the Convener of the National Disability Network (NDN), India. Born in Aligarh
(Uttar Pradesh) in 1965 with congenital spina bifida, a developmental disorder, he traversed the world on a
wheelchair, advocating the rights of the disabled.
36.
Sarat Mohanty, the veteran film actor has passed away. He was associated with which state?
[A] Manipur
[B] Tripura
[C] Odisha
[D] Nagaland

Explanation:
Sarat Mohanty (88), the Veteran Odia film actor, has passed away in Balasore, Odisha on March 3, 2018. The
comedian, a native of Khirkona, had acted in a number of Odia films. He acted in the film Laxmi released in
1962. Other hit films in which he acted are: Amadabata,, Kaa, Stree, Puja Phula, Bhulihuena, Malhajanha,
Sakal Tirtha to Charane and from many others. Mohanty had also acted in many TV serials in Odisha.
37.
Which state government has launched the free sanitary napkin scheme ‘Khushi’ for girl students across the
state?
[A] Punjab
[B] Kerala
[C] Karnataka
[D] Odisha
Explanation:
The Odisha government has launched the free sanitary napkin scheme ‘Khushi’ for girl students from Class
6 to 12 in all the government and government-aided schools in the state. The scheme will be implemented
by the health and family welfare department of the state at a cost of Rs 70 crore per year.
38.
Rashid Khan has become the youngest captain in international cricket history. He belong to which country?
[A] Nepal
[B] Bangladesh
[C] Afghanistan
[D] Sri Lanka
Correct Answer: C [Afghanistan]
Explanation:
Rashid Khan, the world’s No.1 ODI and Twenty20 International bowler, has become the youngest
international captain in cricket history by leading Afghanistan at the age of 19 years & 165 days against
Scotland in the first match of the 2018 ICC World Cup qualifiers played in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. He replaced
Rajin Saleh of Bangladesh who captained his side against South Africa at the age of 20 years and 297 days in
2004.
39.
What is the theme of the 2018 World Wildlife Day (WWD)?
[A] Big cats: predators under threat
[B] Listen to the young voices
[C] Stop wildlife crime
[D] The future of wildlife is in our hands
Correct Answer: A [Big cats: predators under threat]
Explanation:
The World Wildlife Day (WWD) is observed every year on March 3 to raise awareness about our planet’s
flora and fauna. On this day, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna
and Flora (CITES) was finalised & and the day has been celebrated as World Wildlife Day since 2014. CITES
is an international agreement between the governments of 183 countries to protect wild plants and animals
and ensure their survival. The 2018 theme is ‘Big Cats: Predators under Threat’. The day is an opportunity
to celebrate the many beautiful and varied forms of wild fauna and flora and to raise awareness of the
multitude of benefits that conservation provides to people.
40.
Shahzar Rizvi won gold in 10m air pistol men event at the 2018 ISSF World Cup in Mexico. He hails from
which Indian state?
[A] Telangana
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] Andhra Pradesh
[D] Madhya Pradesh
Correct Answer: B [Uttar Pradesh]

Explanation:
Indian shooter Shahzar Rizvi has clinched gold with a world record score of 242.3 in 10m air pistol men’s
final in the 2018 ISSF World Cup at Guadalajara in Mexico on March 3. Striking a score of 242.3, Meerut-
based Shahzar made sure that he gave India a taste of gold and kept his cool to achieve his target. While in
the same event, Jitu Rai grabbed bronze medal. Meanwhile, Mehuli clinched bronze in the Women’s 10m Air
Rifle final with a score of 228.4. A total of 404 athletes from 50 National Olympic Committees are
participating in the in the 12-day competition, which will have 15 medal events including three mixed team
events. India has fielded a 33-member squad.
41.
What is the theme of the 9th edition of Women’s Film Festival 2018?
[A] Take Freedom
[B] Learn to Live
[C] Meet with Yourself
[D] Travelling Women
Correct Answer: D [Travelling Women]
Explanation:
The 9th edition of the Women’s Film Festival (WFF-2018) will be organized by the National Film Archives of
India (NFAI) from 9 to 11 March at NFAI Pune. The theme of the fest is ‘Travelling Women’. It will open with
Sidney Pollack’s Out Of Africa, featuring Meryl Streep. The festival will feature other acclaimed films
including Away We Go, Under the Tuscan Sun, and Wild. The closing film is Eat Pray Love, starring Julia
Roberts. On March 8, NFAI will also host a special event “Parikathe til Rajkumari”, and screen audiovisual
clips paying tribute to women in Indian cinema, from the birth of Indian cinema till the 1960s. The festival
to mark the 2018 International Women’s Day will screen Balu Mahendra’s Tamil film Moondram Pirai, in
remembrance of actress Sridevi.
42.
Neiphiu Rio will be new Chief Minister of Nagaland. He is MP from which Lok Sabha constituency?
[A] Kiphire
[B] Peren
[C] Nagaland
[D] Noklak
Correct Answer: C [Nagaland ]
Explanation:
Neiphiu Rio, the senior leader of President of Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) & currently
a Member of Parliament (MP) from Nagaland Lok Sabha constituency, will be sworn-in as the new Chief
Minister of Nagaland on March 8, 2018. He has to prove his majority on the floor of the House “on or before
March 16”, according to a media release issued by the office of Governor P B Acharya. Rio belongs to the
Angami Naga tribe in the state.
43.
The pan-India expansion of flagship programme “Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao (BBBP)” will be start from which
district of Rajasthan?
[A] Baran
[B] JhunJhun
[C] Karauli
[D] Pratapgarh
Correct Answer: B [JhunJhun ]
Explanation:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the pan-India expansion of flagship programme–Beti
Bachao-Beti Padhao (BBBP)–from JhunJhun district of Rajasthan on March 8 to mark the International
Women’s Day (IWD-2018). The BBBP is an initiative to save and educate the girl child. The programme will
be expanded from the present 161 districts to 640 all over the country. In another landmark initiative, the
Prime Minister will also launch the National Nutrition Mission (NNM). He will also launch NNM- ICDS
Common Application Software.
44.

Shammi, who passed away recently, was the veteran personality of which field?
[A] Film Industry
[B] Politics
[C] Sports
[D] Law
Correct Answer: A [Film Industry]
Explanation:
Shammi (89), the veteran Bollywood and television actress, has passed away in Mumbai, Maharashtra on
March 6, 2018. Fondly addressed as ‘Shammi aunty’ by Bollywood celebrities, Shammi started her film
career with Malhar as a leading lady and later on moved to the comic genre. She acted in over 100 films and
TV shows and was best remembered for her role in the Nineties sitcom ‘Dekh Bhai Dekh’. She was famous
for her comic timing and was quite prolific in both TV and cinema.
45.
India’s first helicopter-taxi service has launched in which city?
[A] Bengaluru
[B] Kochi
[C] New Delhi
[D] Kolkata
Correct Answer: A [Bengaluru]
Explanation:
India’s first helicopter-taxi service has been successfully launched in Bengaluru, Karnataka which
drastically reduces travel time for commuters. At present, the Heli taxi service is operating between
Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) and Electronic City. The service is expected to reduce the time
taken to cover the distance from 2 hours to 15 minutes. The helicopter will seat up to six people apart from
the pilot and the service will cost Rs 3,500 plus GST.
46.
The 29th edition of the world-famous International Yoga Festival (IYF-2018) was held in which Indian state?
[A] Uttar Pradesh
[B] Uttarakhand
[C] Jharkhand
[D] Madhya Pradesh
Correct Answer: B [Uttarakhand ]
Explanation:
The week-long 29th edition of the world-famous International Yoga Festival (IYF-2018) was held at
Parmarth Niketan in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand from March 1-7, 2018. The IYF offers daily classes from 4 a.m.
until 9:30 p.m. with more than 80 revered saints, yogacharyas, presenters and experts from nearly 20
countries around the world. There are also classes in meditation, mudras, Sanskrit chanting, reiki, Indian
philosophy and spiritual discourses to be held by revered spiritual leaders from India and abroad. The
festival was officially inaugurated by Vice President of India, M Venkaiah Naidu. Approx 1500 participants
from 92 nations participated in the fest.
47.
What is the India’s rank in the world in terms of military power, as per Global Fire Power Index (GFPI-2017)?
[A] 8th
[B] 6th
[C] 4th
[D] 5th
Correct Answer: C [4th]
Explanation:
Out of 133 countries, India has been ranked the 4th most powerful military power in the world, according to
the Global Fire Power Index (GFPI) 2017. According to the index, India has an active military comprising of
13, 62,500 personnel. The Indian Air Force (IAF) has 2102 aircraft — 676 fighter, 809 attack, and others. The
Indian Army has a total of 4426 combat tanks, 6704 armoured fighting vehicles, 290 self-propelled artillery
guns and 7414 towed artillery guns. The list is topped by US followed by Russia and China. According to the

report, India’s defense budget is $51 billion as against China’s $161.7 billion and Pakistan’s $7 billion. The
index relied on 50 parameters like military resources, natural resources, logistical flexibility, geographical
features, and available manpower. The list did not take nuclear stockpiles into account but recognized /
suspected nuclear powers received a bonus.
48.
Where is the headquarters of European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)?
[A] Paris
[B] Berlin
[C] New York
[D] London
Correct Answer: D [London]
Explanation:
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has recently approved India’s membership
after its shareholders gave their nod to make India its 69th member. The formal membership process will
now get underway, which includes the purchase of shares by India at an estimated cost of around €1
million. The London-headquartered EBRD is a multilateral development bank set up in 1991 after the fall of
the Berlin wall to promote private and entrepreneurial initiative in emerging Europe. It invests in 38
emerging economies across three continents, according to a set of criteria that aim to make its countries
more competitive, better governed, greener, more inclusive, more resilient and more integrated.
49.
Which country will become the world’s first country to issue digital legal tender “Sovereign”?
[A] Kiribati
[B] Fiji
[C] Marshall Islands
[D] Nauru
Correct Answer: C [Marshall Islands]
Explanation:
The Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) will become the first sovereign nation to issue a cryptocurrency
that will be legal tender. The new currency is called “Sovereign” with the symbol “SOV”. The SOV will be
distributed to the public via an Initial Currency Offering (ICO). It will circulate as legal tender in the
country, alongside its current local currency, the U.S. dollar. The RMI has partnered with Israeli fintech
startup Neema to issue 24 million units of the Sovereign (SOV) digital currency. It will cap the number to
prevent inflation. The move follows Venezuela’s launch of the Petro cryptocurrency in February 2018.
Unlike the Petro, the SOV will be recognized in law as legal tender, holding equal status as the US dollar,
which is the Pacific island nation’s current currency. The Marshall Islands is a Pacific island republic
nestled between Hawaii and Australia.
50.
The Konar dam is built across which tributary of Damodar river in Jharkhand?
[A] Barakar river
[B] Bokaro river
[C] Jamunia river
[D] Konar river
Correct Answer: D [Konar river]
Explanation:
The Konar dam is constructed across the Konar River, a tributary of the Damodar River in Hazaribagh
district in Jharkhand. The place has scenic beauty and has been developed as a recreational spot. The dam is
4,535 metres long and 48.77 metres high. The reservoir covers an area of 27.92 km.
51.
Which platform has been launched by the Union Government on the occasion of 2018 International Women’s
Day?
[A] Women Entrepreneurship Platform
[B] Women Combat Platform
[C] Women Power Platform

[D] Women Literacy Platform

Correct Answer: A [Women Entrepreneurship Platform]
Explanation:
NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant has launched the Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) on the occasion
of 2018 International Women’s Day (IWD). The platform aspires to substantially increase the number of
women entrepreneurs who will create and empower a dynamic New India. WEP will provide opportunities
to women to realize their entrepreneurial aspirations, scale-up innovative initiatives and chalk-out
sustainable, long-term strategies for their businesses. It aims to promote women entrepreneurship and
provide industry linkages and partner support to women entrepreneurs.
52.
What is the theme of the 2018 International Women’s Day (IWD)?
[A] Women in the Changing World of Work: Planet 50-50 by 2030
[B] Equality for Women is Progress for All
[C] Time is Now: Rural and urban activists transforming women’s lives
[D] Planet 50-50 by 2030: Step It Up for Gender Equality
Correct Answer: C [Time is Now: Rural and urban activists transforming women’s lives]
Explanation:
The International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated every year on March 8 to highlight the achievements of
women. It is a global celebration of the social, cultural, economic and political achievements of women. The
2018 theme is “Time Is Now: Rural and urban activists transforming women’s lives”. Women’s Day was first
observed on 28th February 1909 in New York. At 1910 International Woman’s Conference, 8th March was
suggested to be observed as “International Woman’s Day.” March 8 also became a national holiday in Soviet
Russia in 1917 after women gained suffrage there. Later, in 1975, International Women’s Day was celebrated
for the first time by the United Nations.
53.
Who has become the first-ever Indian architect to win the Pritzker Architecture Prize?
[A] Chitra Vishwanath
[B] Raj Rewal
[C] Balkrishna Doshi
[D] Hafeez Contractor
Correct Answer: C [Balkrishna Doshi]
Explanation:
Noted Indian architect & urban planner Balkrishna Doshi has been named the prestigious 2018 Pritzker
Architecture Prize for being able to interpret architecture and transform it into buildings that respect
Eastern culture. He is the first Indian architect to be awarded the prize. The award ceremony will take place
at the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto on May 2018. Doshi is widely known for designing extensive low-cost
housing projects and public institutions. His designs include the IIM-Bangalore; Centre for Environmental
Planning and Technology, Ahmedabad; cultural spaces in Ahmedabad such as Tagore Memorial Hall, the
Institute of Indology, and Premabhai Hall; and private residence Kamala House (Ahmedabad), among many
others. The Pritzker Prize is regarded as architecture’s equivalent to the Nobel Prize.
54.
Who has become the first Indian woman from the field of law and justice to be conferred the ‘Nari Shakti
Puraskar’?
[A] Fathima Beevi
[B] Sujata Manohar
[C] Gyan Sudha Misra
[D] Gita Mittal
Correct Answer: D [Gita Mittal]
Explanation:
Gita Mittal, the Delhi High Court Acting Chief Justice, has become the first woman from the field of law and
justice to be conferred the ‘Nari Shakti Puraskar’, India’s highest civilian honour for women. Justice Mittal,
who took over as Acting Chief Justice after the retirement of Justice G Rohini in April 2017, has introduced
many welcome changes in the functioning of the Delhi High Court. She has been closely monitoring the

dispensation of justice in Delhi and has also initiated a clean-up drive of the lower judiciary. The award has
been presented to Justice Mittal in a private ceremony by the President at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on 2018
International Women’s Day (IWD). The Nari Shakti award is presented for exemplary service to the cause of
upliftment of women.
55.
Which football club has clinched the I-League title (2017-18)?
[A] Churchill Brothers
[B] Gokulam Kerala
[C] Minerva Punjab
[D] Indian Arrows
Correct Answer: C [Minerva Punjab]
Explanation:
Minerva Punjab FC has won the I-League tournament (2017-18) after defeating Churchill Brothers in the
final by 1-0 at the Tau Devi Lal Stadium in Gurgaon, Haryana on March 8, 2018. Thus, Minerva has clinched
their first I-League title.
56.
Which Indian-origin personality has been appointed as official ambassador of UK skills?
[A] Ajay Nahata
[B] Sanjeev Gupta
[C] Gokul Jain
[D] Neel Kumar
Correct Answer: B [Sanjeev Gupta]
Explanation:
Indian-origin steel tycoon Sanjeev Gupta has been appointed by Britain’s Prince Charles as an official
ambassador for the Industrial Cadets programme designed to nurture manufacturing skills. Gupta was
appointed to the flagship programme to give children and young people the direct structured experience of
the industry at school or college level.
57.
Who has become the first woman officer to be inducted as the first direct-entry combat officer in Indo-
Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)?
[A] Prakriti
[B] Geetanjali
[C] Radhika
[D] Sudha
Correct Answer: A [Prakriti ]
Explanation:
Prakriti has been inducted as the first direct-entry combat officer in the border guarding force, ITBP. She
has a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and is right now based in an ITBP unit in Uttarakhand’s
Pithoragarh. She will soon join the Officers’ Training Academy of the force in Dehradun. The Indo-Tibetan
Border Police (ITBP) force is the last of the CAPFs to induct women officers in combat roles after the
government first allowed it to enroll them in 2016. The force already has women in combat roles but only in
the constable ranks. The ITBP, that guards the 3,488 km-long Line of Actual Control (LAC) between India
and China, was raised in 1962 in the aftermath of the Chinese aggression. Two other forces — the Border
Security Force (BSF) and the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) — were allowed to directly induct women officers
in 2013 and 2014 respectively.
58.
Which union ministry has launched Udyam Sakhi Portal for women entrepreneurs of India?
[A] Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
[B] Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
[C] Ministry of Women and Child Development
[D] Ministry of Labour and Employment
Correct Answer: A [Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises]
Explanation:

The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) launched a Udyam Sakhi portal for women
entrepreneurs of India on the occasion of 2018 International Women’s Day: The “www.udyamsakhi.org”
portal is a network for nurturing social entrepreneurship and creating business models for low cost
products and services in order to empower women and make them self-reliant and self-sufficient. The
portal provides assistance through its platform for entrepreneurship learning tools, incubation facility,
training programs for fund raising, providing mentors, one-on-one investor meet, provide market survey
facility and technical assistance.
59.
Microsoft has inked its first-ever renewable energy deal in India for powering its new facility in which city?
[A] New Delhi
[B] Bengaluru
[C] Kolkata
[D] Kochi
Correct Answer: B [Bengaluru]
Explanation:
Tech giant Microsoft has inked its first renewable energy deal in India for powering its new facility in
Bengaluru. The facility, which will be operational from June 2018, is spread over 5.85 lakh square feet. The
agreement will see Microsoft purchase 3 megawatts of solar-powered electricity from Atria Power to help
power its new office building in Bangalore. This will meet 80% of the projected electricity needs at the new
facility. This deal is part of Karnataka government program to encourage investments in local solar energy
operations, in line with the country’s goal of ramping up solar power generation to 100 gigawatts by 2022.
Once completed, the project will bring Microsoft’s total global direct procurement in renewable energy
projects to nearly 900 megawatts. This is Microsoft’s first solar energy agreement in India, and one of the
first ones in the Asian region.
60.
The Mundra Thermal Power Station (MTPS) is located in which state?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Gujarat
[C] Andhra Pradesh
[D] Kerala
Correct Answer: B [Gujarat]
Explanation:
The Mundra Thermal Power Station is located at Mundra in Kutch district of Gujarat. The power plant is
one of the coal-based power plants of Adani Power. The source of water for the power plant is sea water
from the Gulf of Kutch. It is the world’s 11th-largest single location coal-based thermal power plant as well
as India’s second largest operational power plant.
61.
Which state government has started Asmita Yojana to provide sanitary napkins at subsidised rates?
[A] Maharashtra
[B] Gujarat
[C] Rajasthan
[D] Karnataka
Correct Answer: A [Maharashtra ]
Explanation:
On the occasion of International Women’s Day (IWD-2018), the Maharashtra government has started
Ashmita Yojana under which sanitary napkins at subsidised rates will be provided to rural girls and women
across the state. As stated by state government, the scheme will emerge as a model scheme for the country.
The girls studying in Zilla Parishad schools will get a sanitary pad packet for Rs 5. Meanwhile, the women
living in rural area can avail the sanitary packs for Rs 24 or Rs 29.
62.
Which country hosted the World ATM Congress (WATMC-2018)?
[A] Belgium
[B] France

[C] India
[D] Spain
Correct Answer: D [Spain ]
Explanation:
The World ATM Congress (WATMC-2018) was held at Feria de Madrid in Spain from March 6 to 8. It is the
world’s largest international air traffic management (ATM) exhibition and conference attracting thousands
of delegates each year. In it, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) participated and showcased its
achievements and initiatives.
63.
Pyare Lal Wadali, the famous sufi singer passed away. He belonged to which state?
[A] Odisha
[B] Punjab
[C] Rajasthan
[D] Uttar Pradesh
Correct Answer: B [Punjab]
Explanation:
Pyare Lal Wadali (75), the famous Sufi singer, has passed away in Amritsar, Punjab on March 9, 2018. He was
the younger of the singers of legendary Sufi set Wadali Brothers. The Wadali Brothers – comprising
Puranchand Wadali and Pyarelal Wadali – had carved a distinct mark for themselves in the genre of Sufi
music. Born into the fifth generation of musicians, Pyarelal and Puran Chand Wadali became popular with
their Sufi music and were spotted after performing at the Harballabh temple in Jalandhar in 1975. The duo
had taken the country by storm some years ago, by their hit album featuring Sufi songs such as ‘Tu mane ya
na mane dildara’, ‘aasan te tenu rab manya’ and Tanu Weds Manu’s ‘Rangrez mere’.
64.
Who has been sworn in as the 10th Chief Minister of Tripura?
[A] Biplab Kumar Deb
[B] Prabhash K Devvarman
[C] Pradyot Kishore Manikya
[D] Jishnu Debbarma
Correct Answer: A [Biplab Kumar Deb]
Explanation:
Biplab Kumar Deb, a member of the royal family, has been sworn-in as 10th chief minister in Agartala on
March 9, 2018. He is the state president of BJP in Tripura. Jishnu Debbarma took oath as the deputy chief
minister. With this, BJP ended the 25-year Left Front rule in the State by winning 35 out of the 59 seats. Its
ally, the Indigenous People’s Front of Tripura, won eight seats, taking the tally to 43. As per the Constitution
of India, the Governor of Tripura is the state’s de jure head, but de facto executive authority rests with the
chief minister.
65.
Which city to host the 2018 National Legislators Conference?
[A] Jaipur
[B] Shimla
[C] New Delhi
[D] Lucknow
Correct Answer: C [New Delhi]
Explanation:
The 2018 National Legislators Conference will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the
Central Hall of Parliament House, New Delhi on March 10, 2018. The purpose of the Conference is to provide
a platform to Members of Parliament, Members of Legislative Assemblies and Members of Legislative
Councils across the country to share their experiences. The theme of the conference is — “We For
Development”. About 170 public representatives are expected to participate in the Conference. The
Conference will offer a special opportunity to the delegates whose constituencies have greater possibilities
and aspirations of development. Union Cabinet Ministers, Chief Ministers, Presiding Officers of State
Legislatures, Members of Parliament and Members of State Legislatures will attend the function.

66.
Which country to host the first-ever International Solar Alliance (ISA) summit?
[A] Bangladesh
[B] Germany
[C] India
[D] France
Correct Answer: C [India]
Explanation:
The first-ever International Solar Alliance (ISA) summit will be held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan cultural
centre in New Delhi on March 11, 2018. The one-day conference will include an Inaugural Session, followed
by Plenary and Technical Sessions and will be attended by Heads of State/Heads of Government, dignitaries
from the United Nations, Presidents of Multilateral Development Banks and global funds / financial
institutions, leaders from energy-related institutions, corporate sector, and civil society. The ISA is
conceived as a coalition of solar resource rich countries to address their special energy needs and will
provide a platform to collaborate on addressing the identified gaps through a common, agreed approach.
The ISA initiative was launched at the UN Climate Change Conference in Paris on 30 November 2015 by
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the then French President Francois Hollande.
67.
Who has been appointed as the new Special Director in Enforcement Directorate?
[A] Karnal Singh
[B] Vivek R Wadekar
[C] Vineet Agarwal
[D] DK Gupta
Correct Answer: B [Vivek R Wadekar]
Explanation:
Vivek R Wadekar, the 1991-batch Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer, has been appointed as the new Special
Director in the Enforcement Directorate (ED) by the Union government for a period of five years. The ED is
the central investigative agency, under the Union finance ministry, that enforces the Prevention of Money
Laundering Act (PMLA) and the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) in the country.
68.
The headquarters of the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) has shifted from Chennai to which place?
[A] Ballabhgarh
[B] Udaipur
[C] Kanpur
[D] Bhopal
Correct Answer: A [Ballabhgarh]
Explanation:
The headquarters of the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) has been shifted from Chennai to
Ballabhgarh in Faridabad District of Haryana for better coordination between the environment ministry
and the AWBI for carrying out the animal welfare activities. It was informed by Mahesh Sharma, the Union
Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, in written reply to Rajya Sabha . According
to Rule 3 of the Animal Welfare Board (Administrative) Rules (1962), the headquarter of the AWBI shall be at
New Delhi or at such other place as the central government, may, after consultation with the Board direct.
The AWBI was established in 1962 under Section 4 of The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (1960).
69.
Which of the following has become the India’s first Union territory to run completely on solar power?
[A] Chandigarh
[B] Diu
[C] Lakshadweep
[D] Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Correct Answer: B [Diu]
Explanation:
Diu has become the India’s first Union Territory (UT) to run 100% on solar power energy. Diu has a total

area of 42 square kilometers and the installation of the solar power plants here has been done in over 50
acres. On a daily basis, the Union Territory generates a total of 13 megawatts of electricity from solar power
plants out of this 3 MW is contributed by rooftop solar plants and 10 MW by others. With this, Diu has
managed to generate surplus solar power for its residents, reducing their electricity costs, in a span of just
three years.
70.
Anjum Moudgil is associated with which sports?
[A] Boxing
[B] Shooting
[C] Badminton
[D] Tennis
Correct Answer: B [Shooting]
Explanation:
Indian shooter Anjum Moudgil from Chandigarh has clinched her first International Shooting Sport
Federation (ISSF) World Cup medal- silver in the Women’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions (3P) event at the ongoing
2018 ISSF World Cup Rifle/Pistol/Shotgun stage in Guadalajara, Mexico on March 9, 2018. Former junior
world champion China’s Ruijiao Pei won the Gold Medal in that event.This was India’s 8th medal of the
competition and the first silver after having won three golds and four bronze medals.
71.
What is the theme of the biennial event on Civil Aviation and Aerospace ‘Wings India 2018’?
[A] India-Global Aviation Hub
[B] Sab Uden, Sab Juden
[C] Bharat-Ek Chhat
[D] India-Wings of Aerospace
Correct Answer: A [India-Global Aviation Hub]
Explanation:
The biennial event on Civil Aviation and Aerospace ‘Wings India 2018’ has started with theme “India-Global
Aviation Hub” in Hyderabad on March 8. It is jointly organized by Ministry of Civil Aviation and Airport
Authority of India and FICCI. The WINGS INDIA 2018 is a platform for interactions, forging alliances,
investments and air connectivity between the States and the global aviation players & stakeholders. The
four-day event has witnessed the presence of 125 exhibitors and 35 CEOs. It also saw representation from 10
countries. The focus of the conference is to foster partnership to transform Indian aviation and the role of
conducive regulatory framework to facilitate growth of civil aviation market.
72.
As part of the 10th edition of MILAN 2018, which first-ever multi-nation naval exercise at sea has started?
[A] COAST-18
[B] MILES-18
[C] NAVAL MEET-18
[D] SEA-18
Correct Answer: B [MILES-18]
Explanation:
As part of the 10th edition of MILAN 2018, the first-ever multi-nation naval exercise at sea called MILES-18
has started on March 11, 2018. The exercise will be conducted for three days in the Andaman Sea. Those
participating in the event include 11 foreign naval ships and six Indian ships. Apart from enhancing inter-
operability, the exercise will enable honing of search and rescue operations procedures, maritime
interdiction operations, core operational skills and exercise a variety of maritime security scenarios. The
Andaman Nicobar naval command is organizing multi-national mega event “Milan 2018” with theme
‘Friendship Across the Seas’ at Port Blair in Andaman & Nicobar islands from March 6 to March 13, 2018.
The purpose of Milan 2018 is to enhance regional cooperation for combating Unlawful Activities at sea will
be organised.
73.
Which Indian shooter clinched gold in men’s 50m Rifle 3-Position at 2018 ISSF Shooting World Cup in
Mexico?

[A] Om Prakash Mitharval

[B] Shahzar Rizvi
[C] Akhil Sheoran
[D] Jitu Rai
Correct Answer: C [Akhil Sheoran]
Explanation:
Indian shooter Akhil Sheoran clinched gold medal in men’s 50m Rifle 3-Position at ISSF Shooting World Cup
at Guadalajara in Mexico on March 10, 2018. In his first-ever World Cup participation, Akhil shot 455.6 in
the final to leave behind Austria’s Bernhard Pickl in second place with 452. Hungarian Istvan Peni got 442.3
points in total to take the bronze medal. This was India’s 4th gold medal after Manu Bhaker, Om Prakash
Mitharval and Shahzar Rizvi, bagged the yellow metal in the competition so far. India now tops the medal
tally with a total of nine medals. International Shooting Sports Federation World Cup Stage 1 will conclude
on March 11 with the Skeet Men final.
74.
Which country’s hockey team has won the 27th edition of the Sultan Azlan Shah cup 2018?
[A] New Zealand
[B] Australia
[C] Argentina
[D] England
Correct Answer: B [Australia]
Explanation:
World champions Australia have lifted the coveted 27th edition of the Sultan Azlan Shah cup 2018 in Ipoh,
Malaysia on March 10, 2018. In the final, they beat defending champions England by a narrow 2-1 margin.
With this, Australia has now won the prestigious tournament for the 10th time. Earlier, in the classification
match for the 3rd place, Argentina finished third after beating Malaysia 3-2. The hosts ended at the 4th
spot.
75.
The International Solar Alliance (ISA) has recently signed pact with which international organisation to
promote solar energy deployment in Asia & Pacific?
[A] Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
[B] New Development Bank
[C] African Development Bank
[D] Asian Development Bank
Correct Answer: D [Asian Development Bank]
Explanation:
The International Solar Alliance (ISA) has recently signed a cooperation arrangement with the Asian
Development Bank (ADB) to promote solar energy deployment in Asia and the Pacific on March 10, 2018.
The cooperation envisages solar power generation, solar based mini-grids and transmission systems for
integrating solar energy into grids. The ISA and the ADB would also cooperate on knowledge sharing and
developing technology roadmaps for the promotion of solar energy. Apart from this, the ISA has also inked
joint financial partnership declarations with the African Development Bank (AfDb), the International
Energy Agency (IEA), the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), the Green climate fund (GCF), and
the New Development Bank (NDB). ISA and AfDb would work on mobilisation of concessional financing
through existing, notably the Bank’s Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa and the Facility for Energy
Inclusion. AIIB and ISA have collaborated for promotion of solar energy in prospective ISA member
countries where AIIB operates. Besides, ISA and GCF will promote development of affordable, reliable and
sustainable solar energy as an important way towards a sustainable and inclusive economic growth. The
purpose of the agreements is to deepen their cooperation in support of renewable energy.
76.
Which of the following countries have co-chaired the first founding conference of the International Solar
Alliance (ISA-2018)?
[A] India and Bangladesh
[B] India and Russia

[C] India and France

[D] India and Germany
Correct Answer: C [India and France]
Explanation:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron co-chaired the first Founding
Conference of International Solar Alliance (ISA) at the Rashtrapati Bhawan Cultural Center in New Delhi on
March 11, 2018. The purpose of the summit is to focus on various aspects of promoting solar energy in 121
countries that are part of the International Solar Alliance. The summit was attended by United Nations
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and Bangladesh President
Abdul Hamid among other dignitaries from over 50 countries. The ISA is the first treaty-based
intergovernmental organisation to be based in India that aims to help sunshine-rich developing countries
to tap solar energy at more affordable prices.
77.
Dr. Patangrao Kadam, who passed away, was associated with which political party?
[A] Indian National Congress
[B] Bharatiya Janata Party
[C] Nationalist Congress Party
[D] Communist Party of India (Marxist)
Correct Answer: A [Indian National Congress]
Explanation:
Dr. Patangrao Kadam (74), the senior Congress leader and former Maharashtra minister, has passed away in
Mumbai, Maharashtra on March 9, 2018. He founded the Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University, an
educational empire which is spread across the state, and also set up cooperative ginning mills and sugar
mills in western Maharashtra. He held key portfolios such as cooperation, forest, relief & rehabilitation,
education and industry under Congress -led governments during his decades-long political career.
78.
Who will be the new head of the Press Information Bureau (PIB)?
[A] Ira Josh
[B] Sitanshu Kar
[C] Frank Noronha
[D] T S Baku
Correct Answer: B [Sitanshu Kar]
Explanation:
Sitanshu Kar, an officer of 1983 batch of Indian Information Service (IIS), will be the new head of the Press
Information Bureau (PIB) after superannuation of Frank Noronha on April 30. He will take charge as PIB
head on 1st May 2018. Presently, he is the director general of All India Radio (AIR)’s News Services Division
(NSD).
79.
Which cricket team has won the 45th edition of the Deodhar Trophy 2018?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Gujarat
[C] India B
[D] Tamil Nadu
Correct Answer: C [India B]
Explanation:
India B has won the 45th edition of the Deodhar Trophy 2018 by defeating Karnataka in the final by 6
wickets at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala. The Deodhar Trophy is a List
A cricket competition in Indian domestic cricket and is named after Prof. D. B. Deodhar, who is known as
the Grand Old Man of Indian cricket.
80.
Which state government has launched India’s first state-led incubator for women entrepreneurs “WE-Hub”?
[A] Andhra Pradesh
[B] Telangana

[C] Kerala
[D] Odisha
Correct Answer: B [Telangana]
Explanation:
The Telangana government has launched India’s first state-led incubator for women entrepreneurs, called
as Women Entrepreneurship Hub (WE-Hub), in Hyderabad on the occasion of International Women’s Day
(IWD-2018). Unlike T-Hub, which is meant for technology startups, WE Hub will be open for all kinds of
startups led by women. We-Hub will promote women-led, women-owned enterprises in Telangana. It is a
platform which is open to all kinds of innovations including a tech start-up, a start-up in social innovation
or an idea which is completely radically different. Deepthi Ravula is heading the WE-Hub incubator as its
Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
81.
Which online payment service provider has become the official umpire partner of the Indian Premier League
(IPL) for 5 years?
[A] PhonePe
[B] Flipkart
[C] JioMoney
[D] Paytm
Correct Answer: D [Paytm ]
Explanation:
On 12th March 2018, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced its association with
Paytm as the Official Umpire Partner of the VIVO Indian Premier League for the next five years. Paytm is
also the Title Sponsor of India Cricket.
82.
Which Bollywood personality has been honoured with the ‘Godavari Gaurav’ award?
[A] Deepika Padukone
[B] Amol Palekar
[C] Shahrukh Khan
[D] Rekha
Correct Answer: B [Amol Palekar]
Explanation:
Amol Palekar, the well known actor and director, has been honoured with the ‘Godavari Gaurav’ award at an
event in Nasik on March 10, 2018. He is known for his performance in films like “Gol Maal” , “Choti Si Baat”,
“Chitchor” among others. The award, which carries a prize of Rs 21,000 and a memento, has been instituted
by city-based ‘Kusumagraj Prathishthan’. The award was given by noted Marathi writer Madhu Mangesh
Karnik, who is the chairperson the Prathishthan. Classical singer Pandit Satyasheel Deshpande also
received the ‘Godavari Gaurav’ award.
83.
Ranjan Roy, who passed away recently, was associated with which field?
[A] Politics
[B] Law
[C] Sports
[D] Journalism
Correct Answer: D [Journalism]
Explanation:
Ranjan Roy (57), the chief of the Times News Network (TNN) and a member of The Times of India’s national
editorial board, has passed away in New Delhi on March 10, 2018. He was known for his professional
acumen and personal charm. An alumnus of Delhi’s St. Stephen’s College and Princeton University, US, Roy
started his journalistic career in the Press Trust of India (PTI) in New Delhi as a trainee in 1982.
84.
Which country has won the 2018 Best Exhibitor Award (BEA) at ITB – Berlin?
[A] India
[B] Canada

[C] China
[D] Brazil
Correct Answer: A [India]
Explanation:
India has won the 2018 Best Exhibitor Award (BEA) at ITB – Berlin on March 10, 2018. ITB-Berlin World
Tourist Meet was convened at German capital Berlin from March 7 to 10, 2018. India was represented by
Tourism Minister K. J. Alphons along with Ministry officials. More than 100 countries participated in the
ITB- Berlin meet with their respective Tourism Ministers. India’s Incredible India (Ministry of Tourism)
presented a short film named “Yogi of the Racetrack ” in the meet. The said short film has got 3.2 million
hits in 60 hours.
85.
India has extended how much amount of line of credit to support 27 solar power projects in 15 countries at
the Founding Conference of the International Solar Alliance (ISA-2018)?
[A] $2.4 billion
[B] $1.0 billion
[C] $1.4 billion
[D] $2.0 billion
Correct Answer: C [$1.4 billion]
Explanation:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced one of the world’s largest investment plans in solar energy
at the Founding Conference of the International Solar Alliance (ISA-2018) on March 11. In it, India will
provide $1.4 billion line of credit to support 27 solar power projects in 15 countries. Beside this, France will
provide €700 million in loans and support by 2022 to emerging economies for solar energy projects. The
2018 ISA conference co-chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron
at the Rashtrapati Bhawan Cultural Center in New Delhi .The purpose of the summit is to focus on various
aspects of promoting solar energy in 121 countries that are part of the International Solar Alliance. The ISA
is a treaty based inter-governmental alliance of 121 countries lying between the Tropics of Cancer and
Capricorn.
86.
Which union minister has been given additional charge of the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation?
[A] Prakash Javadekar
[B] Suresh Prabhu
[C] Narendra Singh Tomar
[D] D. V. Sadananda Gowda
Correct Answer: B [Suresh Prabhu]
Explanation:
Suresh Prabhu, the Union Minister of Commerce and Industries, has been given additional charge of the
Ministry of Civil Aviation on March 10, after the resignation of Ashok Gajapathi Raju of the Telugu Desam
Party (TDP) was accepted by President Ram Nath Kovind. Mr. Raju and another TDP MP Y.S. Chowdary
resigned from the Council of Ministers after party supremo and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N.
Chandrababu Naidu decided to pull out his Ministers from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA)
government. Mr. Naidu took the decision after facing relentless attacks from the Opposition for failing to
secure special category status for Andhra Pradesh. However, TDP continues to be a part of the NDA.
87.
The first-ever crime-free zone along the international border between India and which county has launched?
[A] Sri Lanka
[B] Bhutan
[C] Myanmar
[D] Bangladesh
Correct Answer: D [Bangladesh ]
Explanation:
For the first time, the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) have declared
an 8.3 km stretch along the Indo-Bangladesh border a ‘crime free zone’ on March 10, 2018 to curb criminal

activities including smuggling. It is the first-ever crime-free zone declared by both the countries. The
stretch falls between the border outpost of Gunarmath and Kalyani of the BSF and Putkhali and Daulatpur
of the BGB. This stretch is one of the most vulnerable with cattle smuggling and other criminal activities
prevalent. With the help of civil administrations of the two countries, NGOs and the local populace, both
border-guarding forces will help ensure no crime takes place along the stretch. This is a pilot project that
will be reviewed after 5-6 months.
88.
The first HADR exercise ‘Samvedna’ of the Indian Air Force (IAF) in association with South Asian Region
nations has started off the coast of which Indian state?
[A] West Bengal
[B] Kerala
[C] Tamil Nadu
[D] Andhra Pradesh
Correct Answer: B [Kerala]
Explanation:
The first Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise ‘Samvedna’ of the Indian Air Force
in association with South Asian Region nations has started off the coast of Kerala from March 12, 2018. The
6-day multilateral exercise would involve representatives from air forces of Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal
and the UAE. The purpose of the exercise is to galvanise all stakeholders in synergising a unified HADR
efforts. The entire settings of the exercise is based on a scenario of a tsunami in the western coast of India
originating from an earthquake in Makran subduction zone and resulting in post-tsunami disaster
management along the western coast and western islands of India. The exercise, hosted by the Southern Air
Command, will provide a clear understanding of the scope, role and task, including challenges in air
operations and ensure better understanding, and sharing of response procedures among the nations.
89.
Ch Kamalamma, the veteran Communist leader has passed away. She was native of which state?
[A] Telangana
[B] Tripura
[C] West Bengal
[D] Kerala
Correct Answer: A [Telangana]
Explanation:
Ch Kamalamma (90), the Telangana armed struggle fighter and veteran Communist leader, has passed away
in Hyderabad on March 11, 2018. She was native of Warangal district of Telangana. She joined the post
Independence armed struggle to fight the rule of erstwhile Nizams of Hyderabad and their army of
Razakars as part of Telangana Liberation Struggle by Communist Party of India (CPI) at the age of 15. Later
Kamalamma served as secretary of the CPI Mahila Samakhya for a long period.
90.
The Barh Super Thermal Power Station (BSTPS) is located in which state?
[A] Bihar
[B] Karnataka
[C] Rajasthan
[D] Punjab
Correct Answer: A [Bihar]
Explanation:
The Barh Super Thermal Power Station (BSTPS) is located in Barh, Bihar and is owned by National Thermal
Power Corporation (NTPC). The 1,320MW (2×660 MW) Barh Stage-2 built by BHEL is operational while
1,980MW (3×660 MW) Barh Stage-1 is being built by Russian firm Technopromexport (TPE). The main
power plant and the township is spread over an area of 1,186 acres.The legal possession of 1,186 acres of land
has been acquired for setting up the main power plant and its township which includes 12 villages.
91.
The Union Government has launched TB-free India Campaign from which city to eradicate TB from India by
2025?

[A] Lucknow
[B] Varanasi
[C] New Delhi
[D] Gandhi Nagar
Explanation:
The Delhi End TB Summit has started in New Delhi on 13th March 2018, which is co-hosted by the Union
Health Ministry, WHO South East Asia Regional Office and Stop TB Partnership. In it, Prime Minister
Narendra Modi has launched a TB-free India Campaign to eradicate Tuberculosis (TB) from India by 2025,
five years ahead of a globally-set deadline. The campaign will take the activities of National Strategic Plan
(NSP) for TB elimination forward in a mission mode. The NSP is backed by a funding of over Rs 12,000 crore
over the next three years to ensure that every TB patient has access to quality diagnosis, treatment and
support. The new NSP adopts a multi-pronged approach which aims to detect all TB patients, with an
emphasis on reaching TB patients seeking care from private providers and undiagnosed TB in high-risk
populations. The Delhi End TB Summit 2018 will set the stage for United Nations High-Level Meeting on TB
in September 2018, where for the first time, TB will be discussed in the UN General Assembly at the Heads
of State level.
92.
The first-ever Indo-French Knowledge Summit was held in which city?
[A] Varanasi
[B] New Delhi
[C] Chennai
[D] Shimla
Correct Answer: B [New Delhi]
Explanation:
The first-ever Indo-French Knowledge Summit was held in New Delhi and coincided with the state visit of
French President Emmanuel Macron to India. The purpose of the summit was to design a roadmap of
Franco-India cooperation for the next five years, in collaboration with companies. It was organized by the
French Embassy in India and co-hosted by the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of
India. The Knowledge summit was successfully ended with a landmark agreement on mutual recognition of
educational qualifications between the two countries and a record 15 other MoUs between universities and
research institutions on joint initiatives and partnerships. More than 350 people from nearly 80 Indian
Institutions and 70 French Institutions along with key enterprises participated in the Summit which also
received the support of the Ministry of Science and Technology, Campus France and Confederation of
Indian Industry.
93.
The Union Government has constituted the tribunal to solve Mahanadi Water dispute between Odisha &
Chhattisgarh. Who will be the Chairman of the tribunal ?
[A] AM Khanwilkar
[B] Indermeet Kaur Kochhar
[C] Ravi Ranjan
[D] Kirtipal Singh
Correct Answer: A [AM Khanwilkar]
Explanation:
The Union Government has constituted a 3-member Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal to adjudicate the
dispute between Odisha and Chhattisgarh over sharing the river’s water. Supreme Court Judge AM
Khanwilkar will be the Chairman of the tribunal, with Justice Ravi Ranjan of the Patna High Court and
Justice Indermeet Kaur Kochhar of the Delhi High Court being the other two members. The Tribunal, which
will have its headquarters in Delhi, has been constituted following the Supreme Court orders in January in a
suit filed by the Odisha Government. The apex court had sought to refer the dispute to a Tribunal for
adjudication under the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956.
94.
The Festival of Democracy will be celebrated in which city of Rajasthan?
[A] Kota

[B] Udaipur
[C] Jaisalmer
[D] Jaipur
Correct Answer: D [Jaipur]
Explanation:
The Festival of Democracy will be celebrated in Jaipur, Rajasthan on March 17, 2018 to discuss
developmental dialogues relevant to democracy in the country. It is being organised by Anjaneya Seva
Samiti in collaboration with Talk India Foundation. It will hold discussions about vivid aspects of the nation
ranging from politics to cinema. The 2-day festival will be a platform to discuss substantive dialogue about
vivid aspects of the nation, including politics, literature, art, health, sports, education, cinema and others.
Eminent personalities from across the country are expected to take part in the event which includes former
MP CP Joshi, Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, Delhi Power Minister Satyendra Jain and AAP leader
Ashutosh Gupta.
95.
India’s first national coastal policing academy has set up in which district of Gujarat?
[A] Ahmedabad
[B] Gir Somnath
[C] Devbhumi Dwarka
[D] Junagadh
Correct Answer: C [Devbhumi Dwarka]
Explanation:
India’s first national coastal policing academy has been set up in Devbhumi Dwarka district of Gujarat to
train police forces in effectively safeguarding the Indian shoreline. The academy, named National Academy
of Coastal Policing (NACP), will start functioning from a campus of Gujarat’s Fisheries Research Centre
located in coastal Okha from April 2018. The NACP will be run by a multi-agency team of paramilitary and
defence forces. It will train the marine forces of states, which have sea lines.
96.
India has offered how much amount of Line of Credit (LoC) to Mauritius for defence procurement?
[A] $100 million
[B] $500 million
[C] $300 million
[D] $200 million
Explanation:
During the visit of President Ram Nath Kovind, India has offered a $100 million dollar Line of Credit (LoC) to
Mauritius for defence procurement to help its security capacity. India also agreed to sell a Multi-Purpose
Offshore Petrol Vessel to the island nation, which will be financed through the LoC. It will also have a $5-
million-dollar grant component in addition to the LoC. Earlier, both the countries signed four MoUs to
further strengthen bilateral cooperation. These agreements are in the fields of education, health, culture
and civil services. The MoUs were exchanged in the presence of President Ram Nath Kovind and Mauritian
Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth in Port Louis.
97.
The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) has celebrated its 33rd Inception Day on which date?
[A] March 11
[B] March 12
[C] March 10
[D] March 13
Correct Answer: A [March 11]
Explanation:
The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) celebrated its 33rd Inception Day on March 11, 2018 in their
newly constructed Complex at Mahipalpur, New Delhi and released “Citizen Services” Mobile APP. This
single App is a bouquet of various essential police related services to the citizen. The app can be used by
citizen for various services such as Complaint Registration & Status Check, View FIR Detail, SOS – Stay

Safe, Locate Police Stations, Vahan-Samanvay, Emergency Contact List, Police Stations Telephone Directory
etc. The NCRB is an Indian government agency responsible for collecting and analysing crime data as
defined by the Indian Penal Code (IPC). It is headquartered in New Delhi and is part of the Ministry of Home
Affairs (MHA).
98.
Which platform has been launched by the Government of India (GoI) as an association of all-India metro rail
companies?
[A] E-METROS
[B] I-METROS
[C] M-METROS
[D] R-METROS
Correct Answer: B [I-METROS]
Explanation:
P K Sinha, the Union Cabinet Secretary , has launched “I-METROS” an association of all Indian Metro Rail
companies at the Conference on “Indian Metros: Collaborating for Excellence” in Metro Bhawanhere on
March 8. The platform will be a forum for exchange of ideas, pooling of knowledge and sharing of
experience, best practices, innovations etc. among the Indian Metro Rail companies to nurture excellence in
performance. It will also safeguard the interest and rights of metro rail companies and will be resource tank
of information for decision making.
99.
Which bank has launched instant overdraft ‘InstaOD’ facility for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
(MSME)?
[A] State Bank of India
[B] HDFC Bank
[C] ICICI Bank
[D] Bank of Baroda
Correct Answer: C [ICICI Bank]
Explanation:
The ICICI Bank has launched instant overdraft ‘InstaOD’ facility for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
(MSME) in a completely online and paperless manner. Customers can get overdraft facility up to Rs 15 lakh
for a year anytime, anywhere using the bank’s Internet and mobile banking app. The new facility will enable
a few lakh of pre-qualified current account customers of the bank to instantly avail of the facility without
visiting a branch and submitting physical documents. ICICI Bank will also offer the facility for instant
online sanction of overdraft facility to MSME customers of other banks shortly.
100.
The Gangrel Dam is built across which river in Chhattisgarh?
[A] Mahanadi River
[B] Ganga River
[C] Yamuna River
[D] Tapti River
Correct Answer: A [Mahanadi River]
Explanation:
The Gangrel Dam, also known as the R.S. Sagar Dam, is built across the Mahanadi River in Dhamtari district
of Chhattisgarh. It is the longest dam in Chhattisgarh. This dam supplies year round irrigation, allowing
farmers to harvest two crops per year. The dam also supplies 10 MW of hydro-electric power capacity.
101.
Who is the newly elected President of Nepal?
[A] Bidya Devi Bhandari
[B] Kumari Laxmi Rai
[C] Ram Baran Yadav
[D] Bhimsen Thapa
Correct Answer: A [Bidya Devi Bhandari]
Explanation:

Bidya Devi Bhandari has been re-elected as President of Nepal for second term in office with an
overwhelming majority. She defeated her Nepali Congress rival Kumari Laxmi Rai in the election held on
March 13, 2018. Ms Bhandari secured 39,275 votes while the NC’s Rai garnered 11,730 votes. She became
Nepal’s first woman President in 2015.
102.
India’s tallest Flag has been unfurled in which city of Karnataka?
[A] Belagavi
[B] Bengaluru
[C] Ballari
[D] Bidar
Correct Answer: A [Belagavi]
Explanation:
India’s tallest national flag has been unfurled in Belagavi (also known as Belgaum) in Karnataka. The 9,600
sq.ft flag on a 110 m flag pole was unfurled by Ramesh Jarkiholi, District in-charge Minister. The event was
attended by leaders, school children, and religious leaders of Hindu, Muslim, Christian and Sikh institutions
at the Kote Kere front. The 110 m tall flag post at Kote Kere is near the historic Belagavi fort in the city. It is
taller than the post in Pune (107 m) and the one at the India-Pakistan border at Attari (105 m) in Punjab.
103.
President Ram Nath Kovind has inaugurated the World Hindi Secretariat in which country?
[A] Madagascar
[B] Sri Lanka
[C] South Africa
[D] Mauritius
Correct Answer: D [Mauritius]
Explanation:
President Ram Nath Kovind has inaugurated the World Hindi Secretariat building in Port Louis, the capital
of Mauritius, on March 13, 2018. The Secretariat is fully financed by India and a grant of Rs 33 crore was
provided. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had laid the foundation stone of this building in 2015. The purpose
of the secretariat is to present Hindi as a common man’s language ‘Janbhasha’ in front of the world.
104.
Stephen Hawking, the legendary theoretical physicist has passed away. He belonged to which country?
[A] United States
[B] France
[C] United Kingdom
[D] Germany
Correct Answer: C [United Kingdom]
Explanation:
Stephen Hawking (76), the legendary British theoretical physicist, has passed away in Cambridge, United
Kingdom on March 14, 2018. Known for his unique way of speaking while living his life in a wheelchair,
Hawking became an emblem of human determination and curiosity. He is known for his groundbreaking
work with black holes and relativity. He contracted motor neurone disease in 1963 and was given two years
to live but he went on to study at Cambridge and became one of the most brilliant theoretical physicists
since Albert Einstein. Mr Hawking was the author of several popular science books, including ‘A Brief
History of Time’, which sold more than 10 million copies and was translated into 40 different languages.
The physicist had won the Albert Einstein Award, the Wolf Prize, the Copley Medal, and the Fundamental
Physics Prize. His life story was the subject of the 2014 film ‘The Theory of Everything’, starring Eddie
Redmayne.
105.
Narendra Jha, the noted film and television actor passed away. He was native to which state?
[A] Uttar Pradesh
[B] Rajasthan
[C] Bihar
[D] Madhya Pradesh

Correct Answer: C [Bihar]
Explanation:
Narendra Jha (55), the noted film and television actor, has passed away in Nashik, Maharashtra on March 14,
2018. He was born in Madhubani, Bihar. He began his small screen journey with Mandira Bedi’s Shanti and
went on to model in TV ads. He is best known for his performances in films such as “Raees”, “Kaabil”,
“Mohenjo Daro” and “Haider”.
106.
Which committee will be constituted by the Haryana government to find solution to polluted water flowing
in Yamuna river?
[A] Ram Bilas Sharma committee
[B] Om Parkash Dhankhar committee
[C] Krishan Lal Panwar committee
[D] Narbir Singh committee
Correct Answer: B [Om Parkash Dhankhar committee]
Explanation:
The Haryana government will constitute a committee to find a solution to polluted water flowing in
Yamuna river affecting the four districts of the state. The committee, led by State Agriculture and Farmers
Welfare Minister Om Parkash Dhankhar, will discuss the issue with the Delhi government and the Centre. It
was announced by the Chief Minister of Haryana in the Haryana Assembly during Zero hour to the issue of
quality of water in Okhla Barrage and effulents entering Yamuna from 37 polluted channels in Delhi.
107.
The executive committee under POSHAN Abhiyaan hold its first meeting to decide on road map for mission.
The committee is headed by whom?
[A] Preeti Sudan
[B] A B Joshi
[C] Rakesh Srivastava
[D] Kavita Jain
Correct Answer: C [Rakesh Srivastava]
Explanation:
The Executive Committee, which is the apex body for all nutrition related activities under the POSHAN
Abhiyaan, held its first meeting to decide on the road map for the mission on March 14, 2018. The
Committee is headed by Rakesh Srivastava, Secretary in the Ministry of Women and Child Development. An
official release stated that on the occasion of Ambedkar Jayanti on 14th of April, Gram Panchayats across
the country will hold meetings to discuss on the nutritional aspects and their implementation along with
health and sanitation issues. Besides, a National Seminar is also being organised on 20th March for taking
the Mission forward. Apart from executive committee, the National Council on India (NCI)’s nutritional
challenges under chairmanship of Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog has also been set up under the POSHAN
Abhiyaan. The Council will submit report to the Prime Minister every 6 months. It must be noted that
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had launched the POSHAN Abhiyaan at Jhunjhunu in Rajasthan on 8th
March 2018.
108.
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has been awarded the International Kochon Prize 2017. The
headquarters of ICMR is located in which city?
[A] Kolkata
[B] New Delhi
[C] Kochi
[D] Kanpur
Explanation:
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the research body of the health ministry, has been awarded
the International Kochon Prize 2017 for its contribution to the national programme in Tuberculosis
research. The ICMR through its TB Consortium has accelerated the efforts for research and development on
the disease in the country. The TB consortium is working with public and private institutes, to guide the

country’s research efforts towards the development of point-of-care diagnostics, shorter treatment
regimens and an effective vaccine for Tuberculosis. The Kochon Prize is given by the Kochon Foundation, a
non-profit foundation registered in the Republic of Korea. It comprises an award of USD 65,000. The
headquarters of ICMR is located in New Delhi.
109.
The first regional conference on ‘Mass Rapid Transport System (MRTS) for Urban Areas – Opportunities and
Challenges was held in which city?
[A] New Delhi
[B] Pune
[C] Kolkata
[D] Amritsar
Correct Answer: C [Kolkata]
Explanation:
The first regional conference on ‘Mass Rapid Transport System (MRTS) for Urban Areas – Opportunities
and Challenges was held in Kolkata, West Bengal on March 13, 2018. The conference was jointly organized
by Ministry of Finance, AIIB, ASSOCHAM and Research and Information System for Developing Countries
(RIS). Before the 3rd annual meeting of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) to be held in Mumbai
from June 2018, eight such regional conferences will be held on the issues relating to infrastructures
development, sustainable infrastructure, mass rapid transportation system, port and coastal infrastructure,
urban development and the like in eight different cities of India.
110.
The Jhanor-Gandhar Thermal Power Station is located in which state?
[A] Chhattisgarh
[B] Karnataka
[C] Andhra Pradesh
[D] Gujarat
Correct Answer: D [Gujarat]
Explanation:
The Jhanor-Gandhar Thermal Power Station is a gas-based power plant located at Urja Nagar, in Bharuch
district of Gujarat. It is run by National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC).
111.
What is the India’s GDP growth forecast for FY 19, as per World Bank’s latest report “India Development
Update – India’s Growth Story”?
[A] 8.0%
[B] 6.6%
[C] 7.5%
[D] 7.3%
Correct Answer: D [7.3%]
Explanation:
According to the World Bank’s latest report “India Development Update – India’s Growth Story”, India’s
GDP growth has been projected at 7.3% for the financial year FY 19 (2018-19) and it is expected to accelerate
further to 7.5% in 2019-20. As per report, the World Bank expects that the Indian economy to clock a growth
rate of 6.7% in the current fiscal FY 18 ending March 31. However, the report observed that a growth of over
8% will require continued reform and a widening of their scope, aimed at resolving issues related to credit
and investment and enhancing the competitiveness of exports. The World Bank report further said that
accelerating the growth rate will also require continued integration into global economy. It pitches for
making growth more inclusive and enhancing the effectiveness of the Indian public sector.
112.
What is the theme of the 2018 World Consumer Rights Day (WCRD)?
[A] Building a digital world consumers can trust
[B] Making Digital Marketplaces Fairer
[C] Antibiotics off the menu
[D] Consumer Justice Now!

Correct Answer: B [Making Digital Marketplaces Fairer]
Explanation:
The World Consumer Rights Day (WCRD) is observed every year on March 15 to promote basic rights of all
consumers, demanding that those rights are respected and protected. It also gives people a chance to
protest against the market abuses and social injustices. On this day in 1962, President John F Kennedy
formally addressed the issue of consumer rights in US Congress. He was the first world leader to do so, and
the consumer movement now marks that date every year as a means of raising global awareness about
consumer rights. The first World Consumer Rights Day was observed in 1983 and has since become an
important occasion for mobilizing citizen action. The 2018 theme is ‘Making Digital Marketplaces Fairer’. In
India, besides the World Consumer Rights Day, we observe the National Consumer Day on 24th of
December every year.
113.
Which Indian city hosted the the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP-2018)?
[A] Kolkata
[B] Ajmer
[C] New Delhi
[D] Bhopal
Correct Answer: C [New Delhi ]
Explanation:
The Asia-Pacific Regional Conference of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) was
inaugurated by Home Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi on March 14, 2018. The theme of the 2-day
conference is “Challenges to Policing in 2020 – How is Cyber Space shaping our approach to Cybercrime
and Terrorism, how do we perform within it and take advantage of it”. The conference is mainly focused on
holding discussions about the growing interest of various terrorist or organized groups and radical
elements in exploiting the Cyberspace and its advanced technologies for their various heinous crimes and
nefarious designs. The IACP is the world’s largest organization of Police and law enforcement executives
that is highly regarded for its role in identifying and responding to changing needs of the law enforcement
community.
114.
The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) has developed a coded drug AYUSH QOL-2C
for cancer patients. Where is the headquarters of CCRAS?
[A] New Delhi
[B] Pune
[C] Varanasi
[D] Imphal
Correct Answer: A [New Delhi]
Explanation:
The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) has developed a coded drug AYUSH
QOL-2C for improving the quality of life in cancer patients. The clinical studies were conducted at St. John’s
Medical College, Bengaluru and AIIMS, New Delhi in breast cancer patients and at Bhagwan Mahaveer
Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Jaipur in lung cancer patients. This information was given by the
Minister of State (Independent Charge) for AYUSH, Shri Shripad Yesso Naik in written reply to a question in
Rajya Sabha on March 13, 2018.The CCRAS is an autonomous body under the Ministry of AYUSH and is
headquartered at New Delhi.
115.
Which of the following teams has won the Newton-Bhabha Fund for project on Groundwater Arsenic
Research in Ganga River Basin?
[A] India-Russia Joint Team
[B] India-UK Joint Team
[C] India-Japan Joint Team
[D] India-Israel Joint Team
Correct Answer: B [India-UK Joint Team]
Explanation:

An India-UK Joint Team has won the Newton-Bhabha Fund for a project on Groundwater Arsenic Research
in Ganga River Basin. The Department of Science and Technology has undertaken the project with the
Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) of United Kingdom (UK) to find solutions to the water
challenges faced in the pervasively arsenic-affected Ganga River Basin. The purpose of the project is to
assess how the problem of arsenic poisoning can get aggravated in the next 25 to 30 years and influence
groundwater management practices and suggest water remedial technologies accordingly. The Newton
Bhabha Fund, provided by the British Council, aims to bring together the UK and Indian scientific research
and innovation sectors to find joint solutions to the challenges facing India in economic development and
social welfare.
116.
Whiich union ministry has bagged the award for best implementation of E-office?
[A] Ministry of External Affairs
[B] Ministry of Finance
[C] Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation
[D] Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Correct Answer: C [Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation]
Explanation:
The Union Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation (MDWS) has bagged the award for best
implementation of E-office on March 14, 2018. E-Office is one of the Mission-mode Projects under the
Digital India programme. The e-Office solution enables core operations of the Government at all levels to be
performed in a ‘paper-less’ environment, including the E-leave,E-tour,Knowledge Management, Notice
Board, Download Forms, Inventory Control etc. In the MDWS, the entire e-office suite was implemented in
December 2014 and since then it is being used by all stake holders in the Ministry. All the files in the
Ministry are e-files and these have been successfully handled though this system for over 3 years now, when
the transition to electronic mode first took place.
117.
The 2018 Pi Day is observed on which date?
[A] March 13
[B] March 14
[C] March 15
[D] March 12
Explanation:
The Pi Day is observed every year on March 14 (3/14) across the world. It is an annual celebration of the
mathematical constant π (pi). Pi represents the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter. It’s an
important part of the foundation of mathematics, most importantly geometry, where pi is key to equations
calculating the area of a circle, A = πr2, and the volume of a cylinder, V = πr2h.
118.
Which city to host the 105th session of the Indian Science Congress (ISC)?
[A] Imphal
[B] Tirupati
[C] Mysore
[D] Mumbai
Correct Answer: A [Imphal]
Explanation:
The 105th session of the Indian Science Congress (ISC) will be hosted by Manipur Central University in
Imphal from 16 to 20 March 2018. The focal theme of the ISC is “Reaching the Unreached Through Science
& Technology”. The Indian Science Congress is an annual event, usually held in the first week of January.
Top scientists from across the country and the world attend the event. The 104th ISC was held at Tirupati
in Andhra Pradesh.
119.
The Malampuzha Dam is located in which state?
[A] Andhra Pradesh

[B] Chhattisgarh
[C] West Bengal
[D] Kerala
Correct Answer: D [Kerala]
Explanation:
The Malampuzha Dam is the largest reservoir in Kerala, located near Palakkad in south India with the
scenic hills of the Western Ghats in the background. It is a combination of a masonry dam with a length of
1,849 m and an earthen dam with a length of 220 m. The dam is 355 feet high and crosses the Malampuzha
River, a tributary of Bharathappuzha, Kerala’s second longest river. The total catchments area is 145 square
kilometres, while the reservoir has a capacity of 8000 square meters of water. The canal systems serve to
irrigate farm land while the reservoir provides drinking water to Palakkad and surrounding villages.
120.
The biggest solar power plant of Uttar Pradesh has set up in which of the following districts?
[A] Mirzapur
[B] Kannauj
[C] Agra
[D] Gorakhpur
Correct Answer: A [Mirzapur ]
Explanation:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron have jointly inaugurated the
75MW solar power plant at Chhanvey block in Mirzapur district of Uttar Pradesh. The largest solar power
plant in Uttar Pradesh has been built in collaboration with French solar power giant Engie Solar at Dadar
Kalan village, some 25 kms from Mirzapur under the International Solar Alliance (ISA) programme. The
power plant has been built at a cost of Rs 650 crore in Dadar kala over a stretch of 380 acres in the Vindhya
mountain range. The plant has 1.18 lakh solar panels and the power produced from here will be transmitted
to the Jigna Power sub-station of the power corporation. The plant has 3,18,650 solar plates with each plate
having a generation capacity of 315 watts and will generate 15.6 crore units of electricity annually, about
1.30 crore units per month.
121.
The 2018 Krishi Unnati Mela has started in which city?
[A] Lucknow
[B] New Delhi
[C] Indore
[D] Jaipur
Explanation:
The 3-day annual Krishi Unnati Mela has started at Indian Agricultural Research Institute , on its Pusa
campus, in New Delhi on March 16 with a focus on doubling farmers’ income. The objective of the event is to
create awareness among farmers about the latest agriculture-related technological developments. During
the mela, latest agriculture and allied sector technologies will be displayed at more than 800 stalls.
122.
The 5th edition of Nadi Mahotsava has started in which district of Madhya Pradesh?
[A] Hoshangabad
[B] Dhar
[C] Bhopal
[D] Anuppur
Correct Answer: A [Hoshangabad]
Explanation:
The 5th edition of Nadi Mahotsava has started at Bandrabhan of Hoshangabad District of Madhya Pradesh
on March 16, 2018. It was inaugurated by Nitin Gadkari, who is Union Minister for Water Resources, River
Development & Ganga Rejuvenation. The 2-day mahotsava with various sessions of discussion is taking
place for the conservation of Narmada River.
123.

Which Indian city has topped the 5th edition of Janaagraha’s Annual Survey of India’s City-Systems (ASICS)
2017?
[A] Thiruvananthapuram
[B] Kolkata
[C] Pune
[D] Bhubaneswar
Correct Answer: C [Pune]
Explanation:
The Bengaluru-based non-profit organisation, Janaagraha Centre for Citizenship and Democracy
(Janaagraha) has released the 5th edition of its Annual Survey of India’s City-Systems (ASICS) 2017 report.
The study evaluated quality of governance in cities by assessing laws, policies and institutional processes
currently in place. In its 2017 edition, the survey covered 23 major cities in India across 20 states based on
89 questions. In it, Pune scored 5.1 out of 10 & topped the chart for the first time. It was followed by Kolkata,
Thiruvananthapuram, Bhubaneswar and Surat, with scores in the range of 4.6 to 4.5. The report addresses
five major issues, and suggests solutions at the local body, State and Central government levels. It
underlines the need for sharp focus on City-Systems or institutional reforms to city governance in our
cities.
124.
Who has been named as the ‘Cricketer of the Year’ in the 6th edition of Wisden India Almanack 2018?
[A] Suresh Raina
[B] MS Dhoni
[C] Virat Kohli
[D] KL Rahul
Correct Answer: D [KL Rahul]
Explanation:
KL Rahul has been named as the ‘Cricketer of the Year’ in the 6th edition of Wisden India Almanack. Beside
this, Shantha Rangaswamy, India’s first woman superstar, has been inducted into the Wisden India Hall of
Fame alongside Erapalli Prasanna. Shantha was the first lady to captain the Indian women’s team. The
Almanack pays a tribute to India’s women cricketers, with a wonderful cover picture of celebration at the
World Cup. With over 900 pages of essays, commentary, statistics, portraits, and images, Wisden India
Almanack is a joyful ride through the entire last season. The magazine also provides insights into the future
challenges that are to come.
125.
Which Indian chessmaster has clinched the 33rd Reykjavik Open Chess Tournament 2018?
[A] Pentala Harikrishna
[B] S. P. Sethuraman
[C] Baskaran Adhiban
[D] Vidit Santosh Gujrathi
Correct Answer: C [Baskaran Adhiban]
Explanation:
Baskaran Adhiban from India has clinched the title in the 33rd Reykjavik Open Chess Tournament 2018
with an impressive performance that saw him win five of the nine games. He became only the second Indian
after Abhijeet Gupta (in 2016) to win the prestigious Reykjavik Open.
126.
India’s first cloned Assamese buffalo male calf ‘Sach-Gaurav’ has born in which state?
[A] Assam
[B] Punjab
[C] Haryana
[D] Uttar Pradesh
Correct Answer: C [Haryana]
Explanation:
The Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes (CIRB) has claimed that India’s first cloned Assamese buffalo
male calf ‘Sach-Gaurav’ has born in Hisar, Haryana on December 22, 2017. The calf was born to a Murrah

buffalo through a normal delivery. It was also the first to be born in the field, 100 kms from the cloning
laboratory at Hi Tech Sach Dairy Farm. The birth weight of the calf was 54.2 kgs and it was in good health.
It had normal physiological parameters and blood profile. The genotype of the calf was confirmed by
microsatellite analysis (parentage verification) and chromosome analysis. The Indian Council of
Agricultural Research-CIRB is a central institute and it has a mandate to conserve superior animals of all
buffalo breeds.
127.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has recently partnered with civil aviation ministry in
India. Where is the headquarters of IATA?
[A] France
[B] Canada
[C] Russia
[D] Germany
Correct Answer: B [Canada]
Explanation:
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
with the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) and the Rajiv Gandhi National Aviation University (RGNAU) on
March 13, 2018 to strengthen human resource possibility over India’s aviation industry. Under the
agreement, the signatory institutions would leverage the existing infrastructure for training in India to
expand the reach of vocational training in aviation disciplines. The IATA is a trade association of the world’s
airlines and is headquartered in Montreal, Canada.
128.
India has signed how much amount of loan agreement with Asian Development Bank (ADB) to improve rail
infrastructure?
[A] $120 million
[B] $280 million
[C] $220 million
[D] $190 million
Explanation:
The Government of India (GoI) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed a $120 million loan
agreement for completion of works for double-tracking and electrification of railways tracks along high-
density corridors to improve operational efficiency of Indian railways. The tranche 3 loan is part of the $500
million multi-tranche financing facility for Railway Sector Investment Program approved by the ADB Board
in 2011. The loan amount will be used to complete the ongoing works commenced under earlier tranches.
The purpose of the project is to increase the efficiency of the rail infrastructure through electrification,
introduction of modern signaling system, and doubling rail tracks on key routes in the country. ADB loan
has a 20-year term, including a grace period of 5 years, an annual interest rate determined in accordance
with ADB’s London interbank offered rate (LIBOR)-based lending facility, and a commitment charge of
0.15% per year.
129.
Which state is hosting the 105th edition of the Indian Science Congress (ISC-2018)?
[A] Tripura
[B] Manipur
[C] Mizoram
[D] Nagaland
Correct Answer: B [Manipur]
Explanation:
The 105th session of the Indian Science Congress (ISC) has been inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra
Modi at Manipur Central University in Imphal on March 16, 2018. The focal theme of the 5-day ISC is
“Reaching the Unreached Through Science & Technology”. Approx 5,000 delegates from all over the
country and 2,000 scientists along with four Nobel Laureates will grace the event. The Indian Science
Congress is an annual event, usually held in the first week of January. The 104th ISC was held at Tirupati in
Andhra Pradesh.

130.
Which country to host the 17th Annual Conference of International Competition Network 2018 (ICN2018)?
[A] Japan
[B] Sri Lanka
[C] Brazil
[D] India
Correct Answer: D [India]
Explanation:
India will host the 17th Annual Conference of International Competition Network 2018 (ICN2018) for the
first time from 21st to 23rd March 2018 in New Delhi. The ICN advocates adoption of superior standards
and procedures in competition enforcement around the world, formulates proposals for procedural and
substantive convergence, and facilitates effective international cooperation to the benefit of member
agencies, consumers and economies worldwide.
131.
Which state government will colloborate with Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System
(RIMES) for disaster management?
[A] Kerala
[B] Tamil Nadu
[C] Andhra Pradesh
[D] Odisha
Explanation:
The Odisha government will collaborate with the Thailand-based Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early
Warning System (RIMES) for strengthening its early warning services and enhancing preparedness for
management of hazards in the State. The Odisha State Disaster Mitigation Authority (OSDMA) and RIMES
would forge a partnership in the field of drought monitoring and early warning for different natural
disasters. RIEMS is owned and managed by 45 collaborating countries in the Asia Pacific and Africa Region.
At present, India is chairing RIMES. In collaboration with this intergovernmental body, OSDMA can
strengthen its database for more effective management of natural disasters. Odisha is particularly
concerned about tsunami originating from the Andamans. Beside this, RIMES is already working with the
Tamil Nadu State Disaster Management Authority.
132.
What is the India’s rank in the WEF Energy Transition Index 2018?
[A] 55th
[B] 69th
[C] 78th
[D] 47th
Correct Answer: C [78th]
Explanation:
India has been ranked 78th among 114 on the World Economic Forum (WEF)’s Energy Transition Index (ETI)
2018. The report titled “Fostering Effective Energy Transition”, ranks countries on how well they are able to
balance energy security and access with environmental sustainability and affordability. According to the
report India has taken bold measures to improve energy access, energy efficiency, and to improve the
deployment of renewable sources of energy. However, energy transition in the country will require large
investments, and an enabling environment and robust regulatory frameworks to support the transition.
The overall list was topped by Sweden, followed by Norway, Switzerland, Finland, Denmark, the
Netherlands and UK.
133.
Which state has become the first Indian state to conduct a household survey exclusively to estimate the
Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) at the state and district levels?
[A] Andhra Pradesh
[B] Kerela
[C] Odisha

[D] Karnataka
Correct Answer: A [Andhra Pradesh]
Explanation:
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has recently released the Andhra Pradesh Multidimensional Poverty
Index (MPI) Report 2017. According to the report, the State secured an Index value of 0.0825 (value ranges
from 0 to 1; 0 being the best and 1 being the worst). It is equivalent to 51st rank globally. India, with an Index
value of 0.1911 is at the 66th position. Within the state, East Godavari is the top district with a value of
0.0468 and Vizianagaram is at the bottom of the table with a value of 0.1271. The study was conducted by
the Vision Management Unit (VMU) of the Planning Department in collaboration with the Oxford Poverty
and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) of the University of Oxford, UK. By conducting MPI study, the
Andhra Pradesh has become the first Indian state to conduct a household survey exclusively to estimate the
MPI at the State and district levels.
134.
Who has been appointed as the new Ambassador of India to the Republic of Belarus?
[A] P S Raghavan
[B] Sangeeta Bahadur
[C] Pankaj Saran
[D] Prabhat Prakash Shukla
Correct Answer: B [Sangeeta Bahadur]
Explanation:
Sangeeta Bahadur, an IFS officer of 1987 batch, has been appointed as the new Ambassador of India to the
Republic of Belarus. Currently, she is Additional Secretary in Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
135.
Which Indian short film has won Best Film Award at Best of India Short Film Festival in Los Angeles?
[A] Dekh Indian Circus
[B] The Missed Class
[C] Black Mirror
[D] Shunyata
Correct Answer: D [Shunyata]
Explanation:
Actor Jackie Shroff’s short film ‘Shunyata’ has won the best film award at 2018 Best of India Short Film
Festival at Mack Sennett Studios in Los Angeles, United States on March 3. The 22-minute fiction film
directed by Chintan Sarda was selected to be in top 6 from amongst thousands of entries and was played at
a theatre in Los Angeles. An industry based jury then adjudged it the best film. The prize includes a cash
prize of $1,000. In “Shunyata”, Jackie is seen as hitman Madhur, who leads a gloomy existence with regrets.
He is friendly with a child, who lives on the street and sees him getting into the world of crime.
136.
Which Indian film has bagged the Grand Prix de Montreal award at the 21st Festival International du Film
Pour Enfants de Montréal Film (FIFEM)?
[A] Halkaa
[B] I Am Kalam
[C] Dhanak
[D] Kaaka Muttai
Correct Answer: A [Halkaa]
Explanation:
National Award-winning Odia filmmaker Nila Madhab Panda’s upcoming movie “Halkaa” has bagged the
Grand Prix de Montreal award at the 21st Festival International du Film Pour Enfants de Montréal Film
(FIFEM). “Halkaa” was selected among 7 international children’s films from different countries in the official
competition of the festival. The film is a take on a slum child’s heroism, aspirations, and dreams. The child
protagonist, Pichku (Tathastu) fights to overcome the basic problems that he faces every day like defecating
in the open, among others. It is his dream to make a toilet of his own where he can enjoy his privacy and do
the deed in peace. The movie features Ranvir Shorey and Paoli Dam in key roles.
137.

Which Indian para-athlete has recently secured the No. 1 rank in Asia in F53 Javelin category?
[A] Rinku Hooda
[B] Deepa Malik
[C] Karamjyoti Dalal
[D] Pooja Khanna
Correct Answer: B [Deepa Malik]
Explanation:
Indian para-athlete Deepa Malik has won a gold medal in the F-53/54 category javelin event at the World
Para Athletics Grand Prix in Dubai on March 15, 2018. With this, she has secured the No. 1 rank in Asia in
F53 Javelin category. With the win, Deepa has also qualified for the 2018 Asian Para Games, which is
scheduled to be held in Jakarta, Indonesia from October 8-16. With that she qualified for the 2018 Asian Para
Games, which is scheduled to be held in Jakarta, Indonesia from October 8-16. Beside this, Malik is the first
Indian woman to win a medal in Paralympic Games and won a Silver medal at the 2016 Summer
Paralympics in the shot put. She has been honoured with the Arjuna award in 2012 and has also been
conferred the prestigious Padma Shri award in 2017 for her achievements.
138.
The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has launched a mobile app ‘Lost and Found’ for lost items at
airports across India. The CISF is directly under which Union Ministry?
[A] Ministry of Corporate Affairs
[B] Ministry of Defence
[C] Ministry of Home Affairs
[D] Ministry of Urban Development
Correct Answer: C [Ministry of Home Affairs]
Explanation:
The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has launched a mobile app ‘Lost and Found’ for passengers at
59 airports across India through which travellers can register complaints to recover items they lost or
forgot at various airports. The app can be downloaded from the website of the Information and Technology
Ministry. The main advantage of this mobile app is that the passengers can directly register complaints and
get status of their complaint immediately from the airports under CISF security cover. The mobile phone
application can also be used to place a request for obtaining technical consultancy provided by the force.
The CISF guards 59 civil airports across the country. It is directly under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs
and its headquarters are at New Delhi.
139.
Which India’s neighboring country will be recommended for graduation from UN’s Least Developed Country
(LDC) category?
[A] Pakistan
[B] Sri Lanka
[C] Bhutan
[D] Nepal
Correct Answer: C [Bhutan]
Explanation:
The United Nations Committee for Development Policy (CDP) has recently announced that the four
countries will be recommended for graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category. These are
Bhutan, Kiribati, Sao Tome and Principe and Solomon Islands. These countries are set to move up from the
ranks of poorest nations due to their increasing national earning power as well as access to better health
care and education. LDCs are assessed using three criteria: health and education targets; economic
vulnerability and gross national income per capita. The Committee will send its recommendations to the
UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for endorsement, which will then refer its decision to the UN
General Assembly (UNGA). Apart from this, Chair of the Committee for Development Policy Professor Jose
Antonio Ocampo stated that two more countries, Vanuatu and Angola, are scheduled for graduation in 2020
and 2021 respectively.
140.
M Sukumaran, the renowned Malayalam author passed away. He was native of which state?
[A] Karnataka

[B] Kerala
[C] Andhra Pradesh
[D] Telangana
Correct Answer: B [Kerala]
Explanation:
M Sukumaran (76), the well-known Malayalam writer, has passed away in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala on
March 16, 2018. The writer, whose works focused on the sufferings of the dispossessed, won the prestigious
Kerala Sahitya Akademi award for his book ‘Marichittillathavarude Smarakangal’ in 1976. He later went on
to win the award again in 1997 for Janathikam. In 2006, the writer won the Kendra (Central) Sahitya
Akademi award for his short story collection ‘Chuvanna Chihnangal’. Another one of his seminal works is
‘Seshakriya’, which made into a film, and he won the State Government Film Award for Best Story in 1981.
Two of his works ‘Sangha Ganam’ and ‘Unarthupattu’ were also made into feature films.
141.
Which city is hosting the Informal World Trade Organisation (WTO) ministerial meeting?
[A] Mysuru
[B] Lucknow
[C] New Delhi
[D] Bhopal
Explanation:
The two-day Informal World Trade Organisation (WTO) ministerial meeting has started in New Delhi on
March 19, 2018. Representatives from 50 countries are participating in the meet. The informal meeting is
expected to provide an opportunity to engage in free and frank discussions leading to political guidance on
some of the major issues, both at the negotiating table and also in other areas. In the absence of Ministerial
guidance at the 11th Ministerial Conference that took place in December 2017 in Buenos Aires, it is hoped
that the meeting in New Delhi will provide an opportunity for ministers to explore in greater detail options
on different issues for re-invigorating the WTO.
142.
Who has bagged the Indian Wells Masters Tennis tournament 2018?
[A] Juan Martin del Potro
[B] Rafael Nadal
[C] Novak Djokovic
[D] Roger Federer
Correct Answer: A [Juan Martin del Potro]
Explanation:
Juan Martin del Potro from Argentina has won the Indian Wells Masters Tennis tournament 2018 by
defeating Roger Federer in a thrilling final by 6-4, 5-7, 7-6 in California on March 18, 2018. Federer, the 20-
time Grand Slam champion, was vying for a record sixth title in California, but it was Del Potro who
clinched his maiden ATP Masters 1000 trophy. Del Potro also became the first player to beat Federer this
year.
143.
Which Indian sportsperson has clinched the women’s singles (Under-19) title at the Israel Junior Badminton
tournament 2018?
[A] Pallavi Bikash Boruah
[B] Purva Barve
[C] Nikita Madaan
[D] Sonam Patil
Correct Answer: B [Purva Barve]
Explanation:
Defending champion Purva Barve from India has clinched the Women’s Singles (Under-19) title at the Israel
Junior Badminton tournament 2018 held in Rishon LeZion, Israel on March 17. She won the long drawn
battle against third seeded and top-ranked Russian Anastasiia Pustinskaia in three sets 21-19, 19-21, 21-13.
The title is her first in 2018 and third overall. Earlier she won the Israel Junior 2017, Italian Junior

International 2017 apart from a bronze at the Russian Junior White Nights 2017.
144.
Which cricket team has won the Irani Trophy cricket tournament 2018?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Rest of India
[C] Vidarbha
[D] Madhya Pradesh
Correct Answer: C [Vidarbha]
Explanation:
Vidarbha cricket team, the champions of 2018 Ranji Trophy, have lifted their first Irani Trophy cricket
tournament on March 18, 2018. On the final day of the match at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium
in Nagpur, they beat Rest of India by virtue of their massive first innings lead. The hosts had posted a total
of 800 in their first innings and then bowled out Rest of India for 390 on the final day. Vidarbha won by
virtue of huge 404-run first innings lead.The final scores:- Vidarbha – 800 for 7 declared & 79- for no loss. `
Rest of India – 390 all out. Wasim Jaffer (Vidarbha) won the Player of the Match trophy.
145.
The first phase of Indo-French joint naval exercise ‘Varuna 2018’ has started in which state?
[A] Maharashtra
[B] Kerala
[C] Tamil Nadu
[D] Goa
Correct Answer: D [Goa ]
Explanation:
The first phase of Indo-French joint naval exercise ‘Varuna 2018’ has kickstarted at the Mormugao Port
Trust (MPT) in Vasco, Goa on March 19, 2018. The exercise is being held in the Arabian Sea off the Goa coast.
French submarine and frigate Jean de Vienne and Indian destroyer INS Mumbai and frigate Trikand with
their integral helicopters, Indian submarine Kalvari, P8-1 and Dornier Maritime Patrol Aircraft and a Mig
29K fighter aircraft are participating in the exercise which will conclude on March 24, 2018. The next two
phases would be held off the Chennai coast next month and in La Reunion Island in May 2018. Indian and
French navies have been conducting bilateral maritime exercises since May 1993.
146.
Which union ministry will organise the International Yoga Fest 2018?
[A] Ministry of Women and Child Development
[B] Ministry of Home Affairs
[C] Ministry of AYUSH
[D] Ministry of Water Resources
Correct Answer: C [Ministry of AYUSH]
Explanation:
The Ministry of AYUSH will organise the 2018 International Yoga Fest at the Morarji Desai National
Institute of Yoga in New Delhi from March 21, 2018. The fest is a curtain raiser for International Yoga
Day-2018, which is celebrated on the 21st June. Union Minister Jitendra Singh will inaugurate the 3-day fest
and AYUSH Minister Shripad Naik will preside over the event. The event will comprise of lectures, yoga
demonstrations, special yoga techniques, Satsang, discourses and among other. Delegates from over 16
countries across the globe will participate in the fest. The purpose of the fest is to promote classical yoga
based on scientific studies.
147.
NITI Aayog has recently released SATH-Education roadmaps 2018-2020 in partnership with which states?
[A] Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha
[B] Maharashtra, Odisha and Rajasthan
[C] Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and West Bengal
[D] Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram
Correct Answer: A [Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha]
Explanation:

NITI Aayog has recently released roadmaps for ‘Sustainable Action for Transforming Human Capital in
Education (SATH-E)’ project to introduce system-wide governance transformation in school education.
These roadmaps, which operate between 2018 to 2020, lay out detailed interventions which will taken by
the 3 participating states – Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha – aiming to become ‘Role Model States’
in school education. To increase learning outcomes in schools across the country, NITI Aayog’s project
SATH-E is promoting vocational education, skill development, teacher training and introducing technology
in classrooms. Besides, the project will promote data-driven analysis to strengthen academic monitoring
across schools in the country. These roadmaps present the customised, action-oriented programmes,
outlining interventions at the individual, district and State level. The roadmaps were jointly prepared by
NITI Aayog, the three States and the knowledge partners of the SATH Initiatives, the Boston Consulting
Group (BCG) and Piramal Foundation For Education Leadership (PFEL).
148.
Which city is hosting the 2018 Festival Of Innovation And Entrepreneurship (FINE)?
[A] Udaipur
[B] Chennai
[C] Shimla
[D] New Delhi
Correct Answer: D [New Delhi]
Explanation:
President Ram Nath Kovind has inaugurated the 2018 Festival Of Innovation And Entrepreneurship (FINE)
at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on March 19. It is organised by the President’s Secretariat in
association with Department of Science & Technology/National Innovation Foundation-India. FINE is a
celebration of country’s Innovation potential, particularly those ideas which stem from grassroots level
including the citizen at the last mile and also a reflection of power of children’s creativity. About 250
innovative exhibits of school students, grassroots innovators, technology students, entrepreneurs, industry
representatives and public sector organisations will be on display during the exhibition that will run up to
March 23 at the Football Ground in the Rashtrapati Bhawan complex. The fest would provide an excellent
platform to the innovators for building the linkages with potential stakeholders whose support can improve
their prospects in coming years for the larger social good.
149.
The first-ever India-Japan Workshop on Disaster Risk Reduction has started in which city?
[A] Gandhinagar
[B] Varanasi
[C] New Delhi
[D] Indore
Explanation:
Dr. Rajiv Kumar, the Vice-Chairman of NITI Aayog, has inaugurated the first-ever India-Japan Workshop on
Disaster Risk Reduction in New Delhi on March 19, 2018. The 2-day workshop is being jointly organised by
the Ministry of Home Affairs, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and Government of Japan.
The workshop marks the beginning of the formal implementation of the initiatives agreed under the
Memorandum of Cooperation signed between the two countries on Disaster Risk Reduction in September
2017. It will identify possible areas of cooperation of India with Japan in the field of Disaster Risk Reduction.
150.
The Serlui B Dam is located in which state?
[A] Manipur
[B] Mizoram
[C] Nagaland
[D] Arunachal Pradesh
Correct Answer: B [Mizoram]
Explanation:
The Serlui B dam is an earthfill and gravity dam on the Serlui river 12 km from Bilkhawthlir Village near the
Kolasib district of Mizoram. It has the capacity of power generation of 12MW and Catchment area of 53 km.

151.
The Nabakalebara festival is celebrated in which state?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Odisha
[C] Assam
[D] Kerala
Correct Answer: B [Odisha ]
Explanation:
President Ram Nath Kovind has recently released coins in denominations of Rs 10 and Rs 1,000
commemorating Nabakalebara festival of 2015 during the centenary celebration of Rashtriya Sanskrit
Sansthan in Puri, Odisha on March 18, 2018. The Nabakalebara festival is an ancient ritual that is observed
in most of the Jaganath temples in Odisha. In this fest, the idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and
Subhadra and Sudarshan are replaced by new idols. The occasion occurs every 8th, 12th, or 19th year of the
previous Nabakalebara.
152.
Satya Pal Malik, who is currently the Governor of Bihar, has been given additional charge of which state?
[A] West Bengal
[B] Jharkhand
[C] Odisha
[D] Assam
Explanation:
Satya Pal Malik, the Governor of Bihar, has been given additional charge as the Governor of Odisha after Dr.
SC Jamir completed his five-year tenure. A communique issued by the President’s Secretariat stated that
Malik will remain in-charge of Odisha until regular arrangements are made for the office of Odisha
Governor.
153.
European Union (EU) has recently signed pact with which country on sharing earth observation data from
each other’s satellites?
[A] India
[B] Canada
[C] China
[D] Thailand
Correct Answer: A [India]
Explanation:
India and the European Union (EU) have signed an agreement that will enable them to share earth
observation data from each other’s satellites. The pact was inked in Bengaluru by Philippe Brunet, Director
for Space Policy, Copernicus and Defence, on behalf of the European Commission, and by Scientific
Secretary, PG Diwakar. The Copernicus programme provides a wide range of applications like climate
change, land, ocean and atmosphere monitoring as well as support in forecasting, management and
mitigation of natural disasters. Under this arrangement, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will
share data from its earth observation satellites. The European Commission will provide India with free, full
and open access to the data from the Copernicus Sentinel family of satellites using high bandwidth
connections from data hub to data hub. This will provide both the sides, the data on climate change,
weather forecasting and natural disasters.
154.
Which city is hosting the 3rd edition of National Conclave on Mines and Minerals?
[A] Raipur
[B] Bhopal
[C] Shimla
[D] New Delhi
Correct Answer: D [New Delhi ]
Explanation:

The 3rd edition of National Conclave on Mines and Minerals has started in New Delhi on March 20, 2018.
The representatives of various state governments, mining industry, industry associations, financial and
academic institutions will participate in the event. The conclave will provide an effective platform to
showcase the recent policy initiatives of the government. It was also enable intensive discussions on issues,
challenges and opportunities in the mining sector to realize its optimum potential for the sustainable
development of the country. The first edition of the conclave was held in July, 2016 at Raipur, while the
second took place in February 2017 in New Delhi.
155.
Which union ministry is organising the first-ever National workshop on Poshan Abhiyaan in New Delhi?
[A] Ministry of Human Resource Development
[B] Ministry of Women and Child Development
[C] Ministry of Labour and Employment
[D] Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Women and Child Development]
Explanation:
The first-ever National workshop on Poshan Abhiyaan has started at Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra in New Delhi
on March 20, 2018 to implement the campaign in a fast track mode across the country. The Ministry of
Women and Child Development is organising the day long workshop in which all states and union
territories are participating. The workshop will provide a complete orientation on the campaign to provide
handholding in using the softwares involved and to augment the convergence with different Ministries in
implementing the campaign for improved Nutritional outcomes. POSHAN Abhiyaan was launched by Prime
Minister Narendra Modi in Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan on March 8, 2018. It has been set up with a three year
budget of Rs 9046.17 crore commencing from 2017-18. It aims to ensure holistic development and adequate
nutrition for pregnant women, mothers and children. The programme also targets to reduce the level of
stunting, under-nutrition, anaemia and low birth rate.
156.
Kedarnath Singh, the renowned poet has passed away. He was associated with which language?
[A] Urdu
[B] Odia
[C] Tamil
[D] Hindi
Correct Answer: D [Hindi]
Explanation:
Kedarnath Singh (84), Jnanpith awardee and renowned Hindi poet, has passed away in New Delhi on March
19, 2018. He won the Sahitya Akademi Award in Hindi in 1989 for his poetry collection ‘Akaal Mein Saras’
and the Jnanpith Award in 2013. He had been a professor and head of the Department of Hindi Language at
Jawaharlal Nehru University’s Indian Languages Centre.
157.
Which state is hosting the 7th edition of the Women Science Congress (WSC-2018)?
[A] West Bengal
[B] Punjab
[C] Manipur
[D] Haryana
Correct Answer: C [Manipur ]
Explanation:
The 7th edition of the Women Science Congress (WSC-2018) has inaugurated by West Bengal Governor
Keshari Nath Tripathi at Manipur University, Imphal on March 18, 2018. The theme of this edition “Reached
the Unreached Through Science and Technology” is apt to those areas where the light of scientific
development has not spread yet and to those areas where we have not done research on. The WSC-2018 has
started in the backdrop of the ongoing 105th Indian Science Congress (ISC-2018) in Manipur University.
158.
The 2018 World Sparrow Day (WSD) is observed on which date?
[A] March 20

[B] March 19
[C] March 21
[D] March 22
Correct Answer: A [March 20]
Explanation:
The World Sparrow Day (WSD) is observed every year on March 20 to highlight the declining population of
the bird due to modern infrastructure, pollution by microwave towers and pesticides and lesser green
spaces. It is an international initiative by the Nature Forever Society of India in collaboration with the Eco-
Sys Action Foundation (France) and numerous other national and international organisations across the
world.
159.
Sunil Sharma, who passed away recently, was assoicated with which field?
[A] Politics
[B] Journalism
[C] Sports
[D] Law
Correct Answer: B [Journalism]
Explanation:
Sunil Sharma (49), the senior journalist, has passed away in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh on March 19, 2018.
Presently, he was working as the bureau chief of Hindi daily ‘Divya Himachal’.
160.
The Salal Hydroelectric Power Station is built across which river in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K)?
[A] Jhelum
[B] Ravi
[C] Chenab
[D] Beas
Correct Answer: C [Chenab]
Explanation:
The Salal Hydroelectric Power Station (SHPS) is a run-of-the-river power project on the Chenab River in the
Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).
161.
The Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) has signed MOU with TIFAC for supporting
forest based communities. Where is the headquarters of ICFRE is located?
[A] Hyderabad
[B] Bangaluru
[C] Allahabad
[D] Dehradun
Correct Answer: D [Dehradun]
Explanation:
The Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) has signed MOU with Technology
Information, Forecasting & Assessment Council (TIFAC) to provide livelihood opportunities and augment
income of the forest based communities. Through this collaboration, TIFAC will help ICFRE to refine and
up-scale the technologies developed, take technologies to the end users including farmers, State Forest
Departments, forest based industries and forest dependent communities in a more effective manner. The
MoU will be valid for a period of 5 years. The headquarters of ICFRE is located in Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
162.
The 17th Annual Conference of International Competition Network 2018 (ICN2018) has started in which city?
[A] New Delhi
[B] Mysuru
[C] Agartala
[D] Shimla
Correct Answer: A [New Delhi]

Explanation:
The 17th Annual Conference of International Competition Network 2018 (ICN2018) has started in New Delhi
from 21st March 2018. This is the first time India is hosting the ICN Annual Conference since it joined
International Competition Network (ICN) in 2009. The 3-day conference will provide an opportunity to
exchange ideas and strategies for effective enforcement of competition law and for strengthening
cooperation amongst the competition authorities as they strive to promote and sustain competition in
rapidly changing markets. ICN is an international body comprising 132 members from 120 competition
jurisdictions exclusively devoted to international competition enforcement. It’s main purpose is to improve
and advocate for sound competition policy and its enforcement across the global antitrust community.
163.
The 2018 World Poetry Day (WPD) is celebrated on which date?
[A] March 23
[B] March 20
[C] March 22
[D] March 21
Correct Answer: D [March 21]
Explanation:
The World Poetry Day (WPD) is celebrated every year on March 21 across the world to honour poets,
tradition of poetry recital and promotes reading poetry. Apart from celebrating the poetic expression and
the linguistic diversity, one of the main objectives of the day is to offer endangered languages an
opportunity to be heard and read within communities. The day was adopted in 1999 during UNESCO’s 30th
session held in Paris. The day also seeks to reprise the age-old tradition of poetry recitals, mark a confluence
between poetry and other creative fields like theatre, music and dance and also promote teaching poetry.
The day is also designated to find newer ways to make poetry accessible and not make it seem outdated.
164.
The estimates committee has recently recommended effective measures to modernise security systems. The
committee is headed by whom?
[A] Murli Manohar Joshi
[B] Arun Jaitely
[C] Manohar Parrikar
[D] Sushma Swaraj
Correct Answer: A [Murli Manohar Joshi]
Explanation:
The Estimates Committee headed by Dr Murli Manohar Joshi has recommended effective measures to
modernise and upgrade the country’s security systems at par with the developed countries. It suggested
states to develop their own systems and augment their own police forces by providing adequate training
and equipping them with the latest weapons to effectively deal with the militancy and insurgency besides
handling the law and order problems. Regarding to this issue, the committee chairman has presented the
report on the Central Armed Police Forces and Internal Security Challenges- Evaluation and Response
Mechanism to the Lok Sabha on March 19, 2018. The Committee also recommended that in order to meet
the challenges of the cyber threat by external or internal forces, there is an imperative need to develop a
system to counter the future threats of biological, chemical and mini-nuclear weapons capable of causing
limited damage.
165.
Which bank has signed pact with India Mortgage Guarantee Corporation (IMGC) to offer mortgage guarantee
backed home loan?
[A] State Bank of India
[B] Bank of India
[C] Dena Bank
[D] ICICI Bank
Correct Answer: A [State Bank of India]
Explanation:
The State Bank of India (SBI) has recently signed a pact with India Mortgage Guarantee Corporation (IMGC)

to offer mortgage guarantee scheme for prospective non-salaried and self-employed home loan customers.
The offering will help increase home loan eligibility up to 15% within the regulatory norms. The MoU
between SBI and IMGC is a strategic initiative which will enable to improve housing loan volumes in the
non-salaried segment. Under this product, applicant can avail higher finance based on risk grade of the
borrower, by opting for IMGC default guarantee cover. IMGC is a joint venture between National Housing
Bank, Genworth Inc International Finance Corporation and Asian Development Bank. It is providing
mortgage default guarantee to the lending Institutions in India.
166.
What is the theme of the 2018 International Day of Happiness?
[A] Share Happiness
[B] Angry Birds Happy Planet
[C] Reclaim Happiness
[D] Happy Heroes
Correct Answer: A [Share Happiness]
Explanation:
The International Day of Happiness is observed every year on March 20 to recognise the importance of
happiness in the lives of people around the world. The day is to inspire individuals to share happiness with
others and create a happier world for all. The 2018 theme “Share Happiness” focuses on the importance of
relationships, kindness and helping each other. The World Happiness Report 2018, which was published
recently, ranked 156 countries by happiness levels, based on factors such as life expectancy, social support
and corruption. Finland was ranked as the happiest country to live, while Burundi in East Africa is the
unhappiest place in the world. India was ranked 133rd in the report.
167.
The Government of India (GoI) has approved to set up a Plastic Park in which district of Jharkhand?
[A] Jamtara
[B] Godda
[C] Deoghar
[D] Sahebganj
Correct Answer: C [Deoghar]
Explanation:
The Government of India (GoI) has approved the setting up of a Plastic Park in Deoghar District, Jharkhand
on March 20, 2018. The project would be set up at a cost of Rs. 120 crores in an area of 150 acres and a range
of polymer products including woven sacks, moulded furniture, water tanks, bottles, pipes mosquito nets,
etc would be manufactured. It has great potential for attracting investment for setting up an ecosystem for
plastic industry and generates employment opportunities for the local populace.
168.
The National Cultural Audiovisual Archives (NCAA) project of India has become the world’s first trusted
digital repository. The NCAA project is implemented by which union ministry?
[A] Ministry of Culture
[C] Ministry of Science and Technology
[D] Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
Correct Answer: A [Ministry of Culture]
Explanation:
The National Cultural Audiovisual Archives (NCAA) project of the Ministry of Culture has become the
world’s first Trusted Digital Repository as per ISO 16363:2012 standard, which is granted by Primary
Trustworthy Digital Repository Authorisation Body Ltd. (PTAB), United Kingdom (UK). The NCAA is
implemented by Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA). The primary objective of the NCAA is
to identify and preserve the cultural heritage of India available in audiovisual form through a process of
digitization and making it accessible to the people. By March 2018, a corpus of 30,000 hours of unpublished,
non-commercial audio & video recordings will be made online at http://ncaa.gov.in/repository, out of which
approximately 15,000 hours are already hosted online along with contextual metadata, representing the
cultural diversity of India in the broadest sense.

169.
Who has been appointed the new Ambassador of India to Republic of Korea?
[A] Nitin Goyal
[B] Atul M. Gotsurve
[C] Harsh Gokhale
[D] Inderjit Singh
Correct Answer: B [Atul M. Gotsurve]
Explanation:
Atul M. Gotsurve, the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer of 2004 batch, has been appointed as the next
Ambassador of India to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. He is expected to take up his assignment
shortly. Currently, he is director in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
170.
Which state to host the 106th edition of Indian Science Congress (ISC-2019)?
[A] Jharkhand
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] Madhya Pradesh
[D] Rajasthan
Correct Answer: C [Madhya Pradesh]
Explanation:
The 106th edition of the Indian Science Congress (ISC) will be held at the Barkatullah University in Bhopal,
Madhya Pradesh from 3rd to 7th January, 2019. Prof. Manoj Kumar Chakrabarti, the General President-elect
of the Science Congress Association, announced that the theme of the meet will be ‘Future India: Science &
Technology’. As part of the valedictory function of the 105th ISC 2018 held at the Manipur University in
Imphal, awards especially for encouragement of young scientist ‘Young Scientist Awards 2017-18’ to 14
awardees, ‘Best Poster Award’ to 20 awardees, ‘Best Science Model’ to five awardees and ‘Pride of Indian
Exhibition Awards’ were distributed to the awardees from across the country.
171.
Which country hosted the first G20 meeting of Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors of 2018?
[A] India
[B] Germany
[C] Argentina
[D] France
Correct Answer: C [Argentina]
Explanation:
The first G20 meeting of finance ministers and central bank governors was held at the Center of
Exhibitions and Conventions (CEC) in Buenos Aires, Argentina on March 19-20, 2018 with the presence of 57
delegations from countries and institutions. The summit gathered 22 finance ministers, 17 central bank
governors and 10 heads of international organisations, including IMF Director-General Christine Lagarde.
172.
Which city has topped the Mercer Quality of Living Survey 2018?
[A] Zurich
[B] Hyderabad
[C] Munich
[D] Vienna
Correct Answer: D [Vienna ]
Explanation:
According to Mercer’s 20th annual Quality of Living survey 2018, Vienna has topped the ranking among 231
cities for the 9th consecutive year. It is followed by Switzerland’s Zurich, while New Zealand’s Auckland and
Germany’s Munich tied for third place. In the 2018 survey, Hyderabad and Pune have been jointly ranked at
142, making the best Indian cities to live in. They were closely followed by Bengaluru (149), Chennai (151),
Mumbai, (154), Kolkata (160), with New Delhi (162) taking the last spot as it continues to battle rising traffic
congestion and air pollution. The quality of living survey is conducted to help governments and major
companies place employees on international assignments. The survey also identifies those cities with the

highest personal safety ranking based upon internal stability, crime, effectiveness of law enforcement and
relationships with other countries.
173.
Who authored the book on Paramveer Chakra Awardees ‘Paramveer Parwane’?
[A] Somnath Sharma
[B] Prabhakiran Jain
[C] Aman Anand
[D] Bipin Rawat
Correct Answer: B [Prabhakiran Jain]
Explanation:
General Bipin Rawat, Chief of the Army Staff, has released a book on Paramveer Chakra Awardees –
‘Paramveer Parwane’ on 20 March 2018. The book illustrates the bravery of Paramveer Chakra Awardees
from 1947 to 1965 and is written by Dr. Prabhakiran Jain published by Medha Books. The book has 11 short
stories, poems and songs highlighting the history of the battles in which the brave soldiers sacrificed their
lives and have shown the utmost courage & leadership while facing the enemy during War to protect the
motherland. The book is available in paperback & coffee table book format and its second part will be
released shortly.
174.
What is the theme of the 2018 World Down syndrome Day?
[A] My life, My Community
[B] What I bring to the workplace
[C] My friends, My Community
[D] What I bring to my community
Correct Answer: D [What I bring to my community]
Explanation:
The World Down syndrome Day (WDSD) is observed every year on March 21 to raise public awareness
about the syndrome and well being of people with Down syndrome. The 2018 theme “What I Bring To My
Community” demonstrates that how people with Down syndrome can and do make meaningful
contributions throughout their lives, whether in schools, workplaces, living in the community, public and
political life, culture, media, recreation, leisure and sport. The Down syndrome is a naturally occurring
chromosomal arrangement that has always been a part of the human condition, exists in all regions across
the globe and commonly results in variable effects on learning styles, physical characteristics or health.
175.
The Union Cabinet has approved the inclusion of the communities ‘Parivara and Talawara’ as synonym of
“Nayaka’ in the list of STs. Both the communities are belong to which state?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Kerala
[C] Odisha
[D] Andhra Pradesh
Correct Answer: A [Karnataka]
Explanation:
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has in principle approved the inclusion of the
communities ‘Parivara’ and Talawara’ as synonym of “Nayaka’ at SI. No. 38 in the list of STs of Karnataka.
With this, the persons belonging to “Parivara’ and Talawara’ communities will be eligible to get the
Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificate from the State of Karnataka and will also be eligible for all benefits meant
for the Scheduled Tribes in the State.
176.
The Union Cabinet has recently approved North-East Industrial Development Scheme (NEIDS) 2017 with
financial outlay of how much amount upto March 2020?
[A] Rs.4000 crore
[B] Rs.2000 crore
[C] Rs.3000 crore
[D] Rs.5000 crore

Correct Answer: C [Rs.3000 crore]
Explanation:
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the North East Industrial
Development Scheme (NEIDS), 2017 with financial outlay of Rs.3000 crores upto March, 2020. Government
will provide necessary allocations for remaining period of scheme after assessment before March 2020.
NEIDS is a combination of the incentives covered under the earlier two schemes with a much larger outlay.
In order to promote employment in the North East States, Government is incentivising primarily the
MSME Sector through this scheme and is also providing specific incentive through it to generate
employment. The newly introduced scheme will promote industrialization in the States of the North
Eastern Region and will boost employment and income generation. All eligible industrial units which are
getting benefits of one or more components of other schemes of the government will also be considered for
benefits of other components of this scheme. The overall cap for benefits under all components of
incentives will be of Rs 200 crores per unit.
177.
The Union Cabinet has recently approved the launch of Ayushman Bharat -National Health Protection
Mission (AB-NHPM). The meeting was chaired by whom?
[A] Rajnath Singh
[B] Prakash Javadekar
[C] Narendra Modi
[D] Radha Mohan Singh
Correct Answer: C [Narendra Modi ]
Explanation:
The Union Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has recently approved the launch of
Ayushman Bharat -National Health Protection Mission (AB-NHPM) in New Delhi on March 21, 2018. The
scheme has the benefit cover of Rs 5 lakh per family per year. The target beneficiaries under the scheme will
be over 10 crore poor and vulnerable families. The benefits of the scheme are portable across the country. A
beneficiary will be allowed to take cashless benefits from any public and private empaneled hospitals across
the country. The AB-NHPM will subsume the ongoing centrally sponsored schemes- Rashtriya Swasthya
Bima Yojana (RSBY) and senior citizen health insurance scheme.
178.
The Union Government has constituted which task force to draft new Direct Tax Law?
[A] Arun Jaitely
[B] Arvind Subramanian
[C] Pritam Das
[D] Arvind Modi
Correct Answer: D [Arvind Modi]
Explanation:
The Government of India (GoI) had constituted an 8-member task force under CBDT member Arvind Modi
in November 2017 to review the Income-tax Act of 1961 and to draft a new Direct Tax Law in consonance
with the economic needs of the country. Recently, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has invited
suggestions and feedback from stakeholders and general public in the format provided on the departmental
website. It stated that the format can be downloaded from the website and suggestions may be sent
through e-mail at rewriting-itact@gov.in, latest by 2nd of next month. The task force will also study the
direct tax system in other countries and also keep in mind international best practices. The committee will
submit its report in May 2018.
179.
What is the theme of the 106th foundation day of Bihar?
[A] Centenary of Champaran Satyagraha and Elimination of Dowry and Child Marriage
[B] Centenary of Champaran Satyagraha and Gandhi Jayanti
[C] Centenary of Champaran Satyagraha and Peaceful protest
[D] Centenary of Champaran Satyagraha and Empowerment of Women
Correct Answer: A [Centenary of Champaran Satyagraha and Elimination of Dowry and Child Marriage]
Explanation:

Bihar has celebrated its 106th foundation day on March 22, 2018. A number of programmes have been
organized throughout the state on the occasion. Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu inaugurated a 3-day
Bihar Diwas celebrations in Patna and also released 4 books- ‘Ek Tha Mohan’, ‘Bapu Ki Chiththi’,
‘Champaran Ki Kahani’ and ‘Neel Ke Dhabbe’ on this occasion. The 2018 theme for this year’s celebrations is
“Centenary of Champaran Satyagraha and Elimination of Dowry and Child Marriage”. It was on this day
when the British carved out the state from Bengal Presidency in 1912. Before that Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand
and Orissa were part of the Bengal province during the British rule.
180.
What is the theme of the 2018 World Water Day (WWD)?
[A] Why Waste Water?
[B] Nature for Water
[C] Water is Life
[D] Better Water, Better Jobs
Correct Answer: B [Nature for Water]
Explanation:
The World Water Day (WWD) is observed every year on 22 March to raise awareness about the importance
of water. The 2018 theme ‘Nature for Water’ is exploring nature-based solutions to the water challenges the
world faces in the 21st century. The day is about focusing on the importance of water and the need to
preserve it. The day encourages people not to waste one of the most important elements that sustain life on
the planet. An international day to celebrate freshwater was recommended at the 1992 United Nations
Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro. The United Nations General
Assembly responded by designating 22 March 1993 as the first World Water Day.
181.
Which union ministry has launched first Indian Sign Language (ISL) Dictionary?
[A] Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
[B] Ministry of Human Resource Development
[C] Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
[D] Ministry of Labour and Employment
Correct Answer: A [Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment]
Explanation:
Thaawarchand Gehlot, the Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, has launched the first
Indian Sign Language (ISL) Dictionary of 3000 words at a function in New Delhi on March 23, 2018. The
basic aim of developing the ISL Dictionary is to remove communications barriers between the deaf and
hearing communities as it is focused on providing more information in Indian sign language. Its aim is to
give deaf people the constitutional right to speech and opportunity of freedom of expression and also
bringing them into the mainstream of the society. The dictionary has been developed by Indian Sign
Language Research and Training Centre under Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities.
182.
Which state has launched a multi-utility vehicle Naipunya Ratham (or World on Wheels)?
[A] Kerala
[B] Andhra Pradesh
[C] Karnataka
[D] Telangana
Correct Answer: B [Andhra Pradesh]
Explanation:
The Andhra Pradesh government has launched a multi-utility vehicle “NAIPUNYA RATHAM (or World on
Wheels)”, which aims to bring technology to the remote corners. It was launched at the Secretariat in
Amaravathi on March 22, 2018. As part of the Smart village Smart Ward Programme, the Naipunya
Rathaams will facilitate and look to improve digital literacy, digital skills and create an awareness on
various government schemes that are underway in the new state of Andhra Pradesh. The state government
will soon roll out 12 more Naipunya Rathams by May 2018.
183.
The Union Government has decided to declare 2018 as National Year of which of the following commodities?

[A] Rice
[B] Wheat
[C] Pulses
[D] Millets
Correct Answer: D [Millets]
Explanation:
The Union government has decided to declare 2018 as ‘National Year of Millets’ to boost the cultivation of
millets like ragi and jowar on a mission mode to achieve nutritional security. This was stated by Agriculture
Minister Radha Mohan Singh while addressing MPs in a consultative committee meeting in New Delhi on
March 22, 2018. The Minister stated that millet cultivation has declined due to change in dietary habits and
unavailability of millets. As a result of this, level of nutrients like proteins, Vitamin-A, iron and iodine fell in
women and children. He said this has led to a special focus on millets, which are being promoted under the
National Food Security Mission (NFSM). The push will promote cultivation of jowar, bajra, ragi. Under
NFSM, maize and jau are also promoted separately.
184.
Which state government has observed martyrdom day of Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru as ‘Youth
Empowerment Day’?
[A] Uttar Pradesh
[B] Chattisgarh
[C] Punjab
[D] West Bengal
Correct Answer: C [Punjab ]
Explanation:
The Punjab Government is observing the martyrdom day of Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh, Shaheed
Sukhdev and Shaheed Rajguru as ‘Youth Empowerment Day’ on March 23, 2018. In the state-level function
organised at Khatkar Kalan, the ancestral village of Bhagat Singh in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar district,
Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh paid homage to the three freedom fighters. To mark the
occasion, Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh also launched a state-wide programme to administer the
oath to Drug Abuse Prevention Officers (DAPOs). Programmes at the district level were presided by the
state ministers.
185.
Robert Langlands, who has won the 2018 Abel Prize, is belong to which country?
[A] Canada
[B] United States
[C] Brazil
[D] Australia
Correct Answer: A [Canada]
Explanation:
Canadian mathematician Robert P. Langlands has won the prestigious Abel Prize 2018 for his visionary
programme connecting representation theory to number theory. The 81-year-old mathematician would
receive the award from Norway’s King Harald V at an award ceremony in Oslo on May 22, 2018. The prize is
awarded by the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters and is worth 6 million Norwegian krone (about
£550,000). It is considered by many to be a maths equivalent of the Nobel Prize, which has no prize for
mathematics. The prize is named after the 19th century Norwegian mathematician Niels Henrik Abel and is
awarded annually since 2003.
186.
The first-ever National Conference on Drug Law Enforcement has started in which city?
[A] Chennai
[B] New Delhi
[C] Bangaluru
[D] Jaipur
Explanation:

The first-ever National Conference on Drug Law Enforcement has inaugurated by Hansraj Gangaram Ahir,
the Minister of State for Home Affairs, in New Delhi on March 23, 2018. The 2-day conference is being
organized by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Ministry of Home Affairs. The Union Home Minister Shri
Rajnath Singh will be the Chief Guest at the closing session. More than 50 State and Central law
enforcement agencies involved in combating drug trafficking have confirmed their participation in this
Conference. The conference working sessions are focused on various topics such as ‘Wider context of drug
trafficking in India’, ‘Financial Investigations’ and ‘Foreign & Cyber Investigations’. During these sessions
various agencies would give presentations while UN and other foreign law enforcement agencies would
share their experiences.
187.
Elavenil Valarivan has clinched gold in which women’s air rifle event at 2018 junior ISSF World Cup in
Sydney?
[A] 50m air rifle event
[B] 25m air rifle event
[C] 10m air rifle event
[D] 20m air rifle event
Correct Answer: C [10m air rifle event]
Explanation:
Indian shooter Elavenil Valarivan (18) shattered the world record and claimed the gold medal in 10m
women’s air rifle event of the season’s first junior ISSF World Cup in Sydney on March 22, 2018. She shot
249.8 in the women’s final to claim the top individual honours. Her 631.4 in the qualification was a new
world record. Besides her individual podium finish, Elavenil also combined with Shreya Agrawal and Zeena
Khitta to claim the team gold medal.
188.
Les Payne, the renowned fearless journalist has passed away. He belonged to which country?
[A] United Kingdom
[B] France
[C] Germany
[D] United States
Correct Answer: D [United States]
Explanation:
Les Payne (76), a fervid and fearless Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter, has passed away in Manhattan, United
States on March 18, 2018. He served as an editor and columnist at Newsday and is a founder of the National
Association of Black Journalists (NABJ). Payne received a Pulitzer Prize for his investigative research
‘Heroin Trail’ in 1974.
189.
Which state government has declared Jackfruit as official fruit of the state?
[A] Odisha
[B] Nagaland
[C] Kerala
[D] Tripura
Correct Answer: C [Kerala ]
Explanation:
The Kerala government has declared Jackfruit as the official fruit of the state to promote the ‘Kerala
Jackfruit’ as a brand in markets across the country and abroad. The brand will showcase its organic and
nutritious qualities. This would also help in giving in the fruit’s production and sale, besides increasing its
value-added products. It is expected that the state can generate Rs 15,000 crore through sale of jackfruit
and its allied products through branding of the fruit. As per officials, Kerala has been producing around 32
crore jackfruits every year, of which 30% gets wasted. Elephant is the state animal of Kerala, while ‘great
hornbill’ the bird and ‘kanikkonna’ the official flower. The state had recently declared pearl spot, popularly
known as ‘karimeen’, as its official fish.
190.
Who has been conferred with the 2017 G.K. Reddy Memorial National Award for journalism?

[A] K K Katyal
[B] G. Satheesh Reddy
[C] T Subbarami Reddy
[D] Karan Thapar
Correct Answer: D [Karan Thapar]
Explanation:
Karan Thapar, the veteran journalist and television presenter, has been honoured with the 2017 G.K. Reddy
Memorial National Award for journalism for his contribution in the field of journalism. The award was
presented to Thapar by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at the Teen Murti Bhawan in New Delhi
on March 22, 2018. The award carries a cash prize of Rs. 5 lakh, a gold medal and a special trophy.
191.
Which Indian sportsperson has won the 2018 Asian Billiards Championships?
[A] Subhash Agarwal
[B] Manan Chandra
[C] Pankaj Advani
[D] Manan Chandra
Correct Answer: C [Pankaj Advani]
Explanation:
Pankaj Advani has defended his Asian Billiards Championships title. In the summit clash at Yangon in
Myanmar, Advani defeated his practice partner B Bhaskar 6-1 on March 24, 2018. With this win, Advani
remains the reigning Indian, Asian and world champion in billiards for 2017-18. This is Advani’s 11th gold
medal at the Asian level of cue sports. His continental billiards title tally has gone up to 7, in addition to the
back-to-back Asian Games gold medals in 2006 and 2010, one 6-red snooker title and a snooker team gold.
Meanwhile, in Snooker, India’s Amee Kamani won the Asian Women’s title by blanking her Thai opponent
Siripaporn Nuanthakhamjan 3-0.
192.
Which Indian sportsperson has been named the flag-bearer of the Indian contingent for the opening
ceremony of the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast?
[A] Chinnaswamy Muniyappa
[B] Subrata Paul
[C] Suranjoy Singh
[D] P V Sindhu
Correct Answer: D [P V Sindhu]
Explanation:
Star shuttler P V Sindhu has been named the flag-bearer of the Indian contingent for the opening ceremony
of the 2018 Commonwealth Games (CWG), which scheduled to be held in Gold Coast, Australia on April 4.
India will see participation of 222 athletes from 15 different sports including aquatics, athletics, badminton,
basketball, boxing, cycling, gymnastics, hockey, lawn bowls, shooting, squash, table tennis, weightlifting,
wrestling and para sports in the quadrennial sport. In the 2014 CWG in Glasgow, Sindhu bagged a bronze in
Women’s Singles. It must be noted that Pistol shooter Vijay Kumar was the flag-bearer in 2014
Commonwealth Games, while 2008 Olympic champion shooter Abhinav Bindra had the honour when India
hosted the Games in 2010. In the 2006 Melbourne Games, India’s flag-bearer was double trap shooter
Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, who is currently the Sports Minister.
193.
Which Indian shooter has bagged gold in the women’s 10-metre Air Pistol Individual event at the 2018 ISSF
Junior World Cup in Sydney?
[A] Mahima Agrawal
[B] Manu Bhaker
[C] Zeena Khitta
[D] Elavenil Valarivan
Correct Answer: B [Manu Bhaker]
Explanation:
India’s teen shooting sensation Manu Bhaker has bagged Gold in the Women’s 10-metre Air Pistol

Individual and Team events at the ISSF Junior World Cup in Sydney, Australia on March 24, 2018. Manu
shot 235.9 to finish at the top of the podium. Hirunphoem settled for a Silver, while China’s Kaiman Lu won
the Bronze. Manu, Devanshi Rana and Mahima Agrawal also brought India on top of the team podium.
China was second, while Thailand took home the bronze. India also tasted success in the Men’s 10 metre Air
Pistol event, with Gaurav Rana winning a Silver medal, and Anmol Jain grabbing the Bronze.
194.
What is the theme of the 2018 World Tuberculosis Day (WTD)?
[A] Wanted: Leaders for a TB-free world
[B] Gear up to end TB
[C] Transforming the fight
[D] I am stopping TB
Correct Answer: A [Wanted: Leaders for a TB-free world]
Explanation:
The World Tuberculosis Day (WTD) is observed every year on March 24 to help spread awareness about the
disease, communicate prevention measures as well as to commemorate efforts undertaken against the
disease. The 2018 theme is “Wanted: Leaders for a TB-Free World”, which highlights the importance of
engaging people from all across the world to put efforts to eliminate TB. Although TB is a serious disease, it
is curable. It can occur in almost every part of the body — the most commonly affected areas being lungs,
lymph nodes, intestine, bone and brain. Early diagnosis is crucial for the treatment of TB.
195.
Which Indian organisation has won the ‘Most Informative Pavilion’ award at the 105th Indian Science
Congress (ISC-2018)?
[A] ISRO
[B] DRDO
[C] BARC
[D] VSSC
Correct Answer: B [DRDO]
Explanation:
The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) has received the ‘Most Informative Pavilion’
Award in Pride of India Expo organized as part of the 105th Indian Science Congress (ISC) held from 16 to 20
March 2018 at Manipur University, Imphal. DRDO participated in the expo showcasing cutting-edge
indigenous defence technologies with over 150 exhibits and models from 18 DRDO laboratories. The DRDO
pavilion at the Expo was a big attraction among the visitors particularly students, who got opportunity to
interact with DRDO scientists. The scientists engaged the visitors in the lively discussions on science and
technologies.
196.
ISRO has tied up with which Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) company for the production of space-grade
lithium-ion cells?
[A] NTPC
[B] BHEL
[C] SAIL
[D] GAIL
Correct Answer: B [BHEL]
Explanation:
ISRO has signed a Technology Transfer Agreement (TTA) with Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) to
transfer the technology for the manufacture of space-grade Li-Ion cells. The TTA was signed at ISRO
headquarters in Bengaluru on 23rd March 2018 in the presence of Dr K. Sivan, Chairman of ISRO, and Atul
Sobti, Chairman & Managing Director of BHEL. ISRO uses Li-Ion batteries as the power source for satellite
and launch vehicle applications due to their high energy density, reliability and long cycle life. This Li-ion
cell Technology Transfer will enable BHEL to produce space grade Li-Ion cells which can meet the country’s
space programme requirements. This technology can also be adopted to cater to the Li-Ion cell requirement
for other national needs.
197.

The world’s longest sandstone cave has discovered in which state of India?
[A] Meghalaya
[B] Karnataka
[C] Arunachal Pradesh
[D] Mizoram
Correct Answer: A [Meghalaya]
Explanation:
The world’s longest sandstone cave named Krem Puri has discovered near the village of Laitsohum in
Mawsynram area of East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya. With a length of 24,583 metres, Krem Puri was
discovered back in 2016 but the actual length of the cave was obtained by the Meghalaya Adventurers’
Association (MAA) during one of its recent expeditions. Krem Puri is over 6,000m longer than the current
listed sandstone cave in the world, Cueva El Samán, (18,200m) in Venezuela. The cave system has fossils of
dinosaurs, especially the Mosasaurus, a giant reptile that lived 66-76 million years ago.
198.
Which of the following has become the North India’s first city to install digital automatic speed gun cameras
for traffic management?
[A] New Delhi
[B] Chandigarh
[C] Shimla
[D] Ranchi
Correct Answer: B [Chandigarh ]
Explanation:
Chandigarh has become the North India’s first city to install digital automatic speed gun cameras for traffic
management. The high-tech speed cameras are equipped with night vision technology and will record the
speed of oncoming traffic, helping Chandigarh Police to issue challans to anyone driving above the city
speed limits. Not only this, the advanced cameras are installed with digital display to beware motorists of
overspeeding. If the speed is above the permissible limit, the digital display will warn the driver with a
white light. If, and when, a motorist breaks the law, a Challan will be sent to the driver along with the image
of overspeeding.
199.
Which city hosted the 5th India Maize Summit 2018?
[A] Indore
[B] Udaipur
[C] New Delhi
[D] Jhansi
Explanation:
The 5th India Maize Summit 2018 was held at FICCI in New Delhi to harness the potential of maize and
technological innovations. The purpose of the summit is to promote producer aggregation and linkages
that are required.
200.
The famous Madhavpur Mela of Gujarat has started in which of the following districts?
[A] Ahmedabad
[B] Gandhinagar
[C] Anand
[D] Porbandar
Correct Answer: D [Porbandar]
Explanation:
The famous Madhavpur Mela has started at Madhavpur Ghed in Porbandar district of Gujarat on March 25,
2018. In a unique initiative, the 4-day Mela will showcase for the first time the cultural integration of the
North-East with Gujarat. It will share its connect to the Mishmi Tribe of Arunachal Pradesh. The Mishmi
Tribe traces its ancestry to the legendary King Bhishmak and through him to his daughter Rukmini and
Lord Krishna. For the first time ever, the festival will celebrate the immortal journey which Rukmini

undertook from Arunachal Pradesh to Gujarat with Lord Krishna. The festival will see a vibrant cultural
trail of art, dance, music, poetry, story-telling and folk drama from the North-Eastern States with the aim to
integrate the rich cultures of the two regions.
201.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has launched an initiative ‘Videsh Aaya Pradesh ke Dwaar’ in which
city?
[A] New Delhi
[B] Ranchi
[C] Guwahati
[D] Hyderabad
Correct Answer: D [Hyderabad]
Explanation:
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has recently launched the first of its kind initiative titled ‘Videsh
Aaya Pradesh ke Dwaar’ in Hyderabad, which is a key centre for Telugu and Urdu media. The purpose of the
initiative is to create a pool of media professionals interested in foreign policy and guide them on
connecting with the MEA. The initiative involves MEA’s engagement with the regional media based in
different cities across India who have carved their own space and have a unique and wide readership profile.
The event was attended by around 40 Editors and representatives from the main media organisations
based in Hyderabad.
202.
Which hockey team has won the 8th Hockey India Senior Men National Championship 2018?
[A] Petroleum Sports Promotion Board
[B] Hockey Kerala
[C] Railway Sports Promotion Board
[D] Hockey Punjab
Correct Answer: D [Hockey Punjab]
Explanation:
Hockey Punjab has won the 8th Hockey India Senior Men National Championship title at the Padma Shri
Mohammad Shahid Synthetic Hockey Stadium in Lucknow on March 25, 2018. In the final, they defeated
Petroleum Sports Promotion Board by 2-1. In the Bronze medal match, defending champions Railway Sports
Promotion Board (RSPB) defeated Air India Sports Promotion Board 5-3 on penalties after the scores were
tied at 1-1 after regulation time.
203.
Which state is hosting the 11th Rashtriya Rifles Biennial Conference 2018?
[A] Himachal Pradesh
[B] Jammu and Kashmir
[C] Arunachal Pradesh
[D] Sikkim
Correct Answer: B [Jammu and Kashmir]
Explanation:
The 11th Rashtriya Rifles Biennial Conference is being conducted at Nagrota in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K)
from 26 to 27 March 18. The event chaired by Chief of the Army Staff has been attended by Army
Commander Northern Command, Director General Rashtriya Rifles, Corps Commander 15 and 16 Corps and
all General Officers Commanding Counter Insurgency Forces. The Rashtriya Rifles (RR) is a branch of the
Indian Army under the authority of the Indian Ministry of Defence. The RR is a counter-insurgency force
made up of soldiers deputed from other parts of the Indian Army. The force is currently deployed in the
state of Jammu and Kashmir. It has assisted the locals from inaccessible and far flung areas of the state by
providing assistance in diverse fields and has given an impetus to development, growth, education, women
empowerment, skill development and communal harmony through its multifarious enabling civil action
programs.
204.
The 2018 National Conference on Down Syndrome was organised under which union ministry in New Delhi?
[A] Ministry of Home Affairs

[B] Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment

[C] Ministry of Rural Development
[D] Ministry of Minority Affairs
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment]
Explanation:
The ‘2018 National Conference on Down Syndrome’ was organised by the National Trust under Ministry of
Social Justice and Empowerment in New Delhi on March 25. A book entitled “Twilights Children” based on
the lives of person suffering from Down Syndrome was released on the occasion. The conference brought
intellectuals from all walks of life on one platform to spur ideas and channelized knowledge on Down
Syndrome which was very beneficial to enable a positive change in the people with Down Syndrome. Down
Syndrome is a chromosomal condition associated with intellectual and learning disabilities.
205.
The first-ever International Exhibition of Graphic Prints ‘Print Biennale India 2018′ has started in which
city?
[A] Kochi
[B] New Delhi
[C] Kolkata
[D] Chandigarh
Explanation:
The first-ever International Exhibition of Graphic Prints ‘Print Biennale India 2018′ has started at the
Rabindra Bhavan Galleries of the Lalit Kala Akademi in New Delhi on March 25, 2018. The event, organized
by Lalit Kala Akademi, is aimed at discovering new artistic trends in printmaking nationally and
internationally. Artists from across the world have sent their works and are showcasing their artwork in
this international exhibition.The event comprising a total of 200 original prints are created by Indian and
international artists of impeccable competence and is a window view into the giant strides in printmaking
that is taking place in India and the world. The exhibition will continue till 22nd of next month.
206.
Who has been nomoinated as the India’s representative to Executive Board of UNESCO?
[A] J S Rajput
[B] Ravish Kumar
[C] Suraj Gupta
[D] Priyank Sen
Correct Answer: A [J S Rajput]
Explanation:
Professor J S Rajput, the former Director of NCERT, has been nominated as the India’s representative to the
Executive Board (EXB) of UNESCO. Professor Rajput is an eminent educationist with rich experience in
various fields including UNESCO. He has recently completed the project aimed at achieving religious amity
through education and his edited book “Education of Muslims in India” was released by the Prime Minister
of India Shri Narendra Modi on June 15, 2015.The EXB has a 4-year term of office and 58 seats. It is one of
the constitutional organs of UNESCO and is elected by the General Conference. The executive board
examines the work for the organization and the corresponding budget estimates. In practice, the executive
board is the main organ responsible for all policies and programmes of UNESCO.
207.
Which London-based organisation has received the 2017 Frederick Pincott Award for promoting Hindi
cinema?
[A] South Asian Cinema Innovation
[B] South Asian Cinema Organisation
[C] South Asian Cinema Association
[D] South Asian Cinema Foundation
Correct Answer: D [South Asian Cinema Foundation]
Explanation:
The South Asian Cinema Foundation (SACF), a London-based organisation, has received the Frederick

Pincott Award for 2017 from the Indian High Commissioner, Y K Sinha for promoting Hindi cinema in
Britain for the last 18 years. The institution has been active in boosting original research and books on
Indian films, also inviting and honouring filmmakers from India, along with documentary film making and
producing classic silent films with live music at the British Film Institute (BFI). The SACF has been doing
commendable work for nearly two decades to promote Hindi and regional Indian cinema in the UK and as a
result has served the cause of dissemination of the Hindi language. SACF Director Lalit Mohan Joshi stated
that the institution will continue exploring Hindi cinema as it would launch a new six-week course at the
BFI that will look into the history of Indian cinema through literature. The SACF was set up in London in
January 2000 by Joshi, along with film archivist P K Nair, film critic Derek Malcolm and social historian-
researcher Kusum Pant Joshi.
208.
What is the theme of 2018 International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and Transatlantic
Slave Trade?
[A] Women and Slavery
[B] Breaking the Silence, Lest We Forget
[C] Remember Slavery: Triumphs and Struggles for Freedom and Equality
[D] Women and Slavery: Honour the African Diaspora
Correct Answer: C [Remember Slavery: Triumphs and Struggles for Freedom and Equality]
Explanation:
The International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and Transatlantic Slave Trade is observed
every year on March 25 to honour and remember those who suffered and died at the hands of the brutal
slavery system. The International Day also aims to raise awareness about the dangers of racism and
prejudice today. The 2018 theme is “Remember Slavery: Triumphs and Struggles for Freedom and Equality”,
which celebrates the gains of people of African descent from slavery to present. It also acknowledges the
challenges that have been overcome in the movement towards freedom and equality in all professions.
209.
Who has been sworn-in as the new president of Peru?
[A] Marisol Espinoza
[B] Mercedes Araoz
[C] Martin Vizcarra
[D] Pablo Kuczynski
Correct Answer: C [Martin Vizcarra]
Explanation:
Martin Vizcarra, a Peruvian engineer and former regional governor, has been sworn-in as the new president
of Peru after his predecessor “Pedro Pablo Kuczynski” became the latest of the country’s leaders to resign
amid corruption scandals and public repudiation.
210.
Which country’s team has won the U-17 Jockey Cup International Youth Invitational Football Tournament
2018?
[A] Chinese Taipei
[B] India
[C] Hong Kong
[D] Singapore
Correct Answer: B [India ]
Explanation:
India Under-16 team has won the 2018 U-17 Jockey Cup International Youth Invitational Football
tournament by defeating hosts Hong Kong in the final by 4-2 on March 25, 2018. For India, Bekey Oram
netted twice in the first half. The other two goals came through Rohit Danu and Lalrokima in the second
session. This was India’s third consecutive victory in as many days. They had earlier defeated Chinese
Taipei (4-0) and Singapore (3-1). The tournament was an Under-17 event where India fielded their Under-16
national team. The Indian team have already qualified for the AFC Under-16 Finals from where the top four
teams will make it to the FIFA Under-17 World Cup.
211.

Which state has topped the list of states with most number of beggars, as per data released by Union ministry
of Social Justice?
[A] West Bengal
[B] Andhra Pradesh
[C] Bihar
[D] Uttar Pradesh
Correct Answer: A [West Bengal]
Explanation:
As per the data released by Union ministry of Social Justice, a total number of 4,13,670 beggars are residing
in India, including 2,21,673 males and 1,91,997 females beggars in the country. The data, based on 2011
census, revealed that West Bengal has topped the chart with 81,224 beggars, followed by Uttar Pradesh
(65,835), Andhra Pradesh (30,218), Bihar (29,723), Madhya Pradesh ( 28,695) and Rajasthan (25,853). The
figures were given by Social Justice Minister Thawar Chand Gehlot in a written reply to Lok Sabha. The
government data show that Lakshadweep, a union territory, has only two people begging for their
livelihood. Among the northeastern states, Assam topped the chart with 22,116 beggars, while Mizoram
ranked low with 53 beggars.
212.
The International Solar Alliance (ISA) has recently signed the Host Country Agreement with which country?
[A] France
[B] India
[C] Australia
[D] Russia
Correct Answer: B [India]
Explanation:
The International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has signed the Host
Country Agreement in New Delhi on March 26, 2018. The Agreement will give ISA a juridical personality
and gives it power to contract, to acquire and dispose off movable and immovable properties, to institute
and defend legal proceedings. Under this agreement, ISA shall enjoy such privileges, applicable tax
concessions and immunities as are necessary for ISA’s Headquarter to independently discharge its function
and programmes. ISA shall be deriving its status, privileges and immunities as per Article 10 of Framework
Agreement.
213.
Which district has become the India’s first district to have 100% solar powered health centres?
[A] Kolkata
[B] Chennai
[C] Bangaluru
[D] Surat
Correct Answer: D [Surat ]
Explanation:
The Surat district of Gujarat has become the India’s first district to have 100% solar powered Primary
Health Centers (PHCs) to combat the issue of global warming. There are a total of 52 PHCs in the district
and all of them are now powered by solar system. This initiative will not only bring down the electricity bill
by 40% but also help fight global warming.
214.
The Tribal Co-operative Marketing Federation of India (TRIFED) works under which union ministry?
[A] Ministry of Rural Development
[B] Ministry of Tribal Affairs
[C] Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
[D] Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Tribal Affairs]
Explanation:
The Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED) under the Ministry of Tribal
Affairs has launched “E-Tribes India” in New Delhi on March 27, 2018. It was launched by the Union Tribal

Affairs Minister, Jual Oram. The Launch of e-Tribes, TRIFED’s websites includes www.tribesindia.com,
www.trifed.in and Retail Inventory Software and M-commerce app. Besides, the occasion also marked the
launch of ‘Tribes India’ Banners at Amazon, Snapdeal, Paytm & GeM. TRIFED’s Handbook for Retail Trade
and TRIFED’s quarterly magazine ‘Tribes Haat’ was also inaugurated.
215.
The 2018 World Theatre Day (WTD) is celebrated on which date?
[A] March 26
[B] March 27
[C] March 28
[D] March 29
Explanation:
The World Theatre Day (WTD) was initiated in 1961 by the International Theatre Institute (ITI). The first
World Theatre Day Message was written by Jean Cocteau in 1962. Ever since, it is celebrated all over the
world on 27th March to draw attention to the power of the stage. The day is a celebration for those who can
see the value and importance of the art form “theatre”, and acts as a wake-up-call for governments,
politicians and institutions which have not yet recognised its value to the people and to the individual and
have not yet realised its potential for economic growth. This year, in 2018, Playwright Nina Lee Aquino will
deliver the WTD message.
216.
Which union ministry has launched 2018 Saras Aajeevika Mela in New Delhi?
[B] Ministry of Women and Child Development
[D] Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
Correct Answer: C [Ministry of Rural Development]
Explanation:
Narendra Singh Tomar, the Union Minister of Rural Development, Panchayati Raj and Mines , has
inaugurated Saras Aajeevika Mela at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi. The SARAS Aajeevika Mela 2018 in New
Delhi is an endeavour of Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission. It aims to
provide a national platform and an opportunity to the rural women producers to showcase their products
and seek buyers, either individuals or bulk buyers for sale nationally or internationally. As part of the 2018
mela, 700 women from 28 states are selling their products in over 350 stalls in the Mela. The Ministry has
also released a directory of the products of all the women who will be showcasing their products in the
Aajeevika Mela 2018.
217.
Which campaign has been launched by WWF-India at the 12th edition of Earth Hour 2018?
[A] Give Up to Give Back
[B] Save Earth for Future
[C] Connect to Earth
[D] Nature calling you, Listen!
Correct Answer: A [Give Up to Give Back]
Explanation:
The 12th edition of Earth Hour was observed across the world by turning off non-essential electric lights for
one hour from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm on March 24, 2018. It is the world’s largest grassroots movement for the
environment where people around the globe unite to take a stand against climate change by turning off
non-essential lights for one hour. It is a global initiative of the World Wide Fund for Nature India or WWF-
India. This year, in 2018, WWF-India has launched the “Give Up to Give Back” initiative to inspire
organisations, institutions and individuals to make the choice to curb some habits, practices and lifestyles
that burden lives and environment. The campaign includes taking steps like giving up single-use plastics,
fossil fuels and e-waste among others.
218.
Which Indian sportsperson has bagged gold in the men’s 25m Rapid Fire Pistol event at the 2018 ISSF Junior

Shooting World Cup in Sydney?

[A] Rajkanwar Singh
[B] Anhad Jawanda
[C] B Sainath
[D] Anish Bhanwala
Correct Answer: D [Anish Bhanwala]
Explanation:
Rising shooter Anish Bhanwala from India has bagged gold medal in the men’s 25m Rapid Fire Pistol event
at the ISSF Junior Shooting World Cup in Sydney, Australia on March 27, 2018. With this, he secured 3rd
individual gold medal for India in the tournament.
219.
Which state government has signed pact with Airport Authority of India (AAI) to develop villages in Kamrup?
[A] West Bengal
[B] Mizoram
[C] Nagaland
[D] Assam
Correct Answer: D [Assam]
Explanation:
The Airport Authority of India (AAI) has recently signed a MoU with Assam government under its
Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) initiative for sustainable development of human settlements at
villages in Kamrup district. The AAI would provide financial assistance under its CSR initiative of Rs 4.58
crore for the Kamrup district as per the estimates prepared by the UNDP to improve the resilience of
communities around Guwahati Airport. The AAI through its CSR policy supports such initiatives for
promoting infrastructure for convenience of the population with a view to improve the resilience of
communities.
220.
Who has won the 2018 Formula One Australian Grand Prix tournament?
[A] Kimi Raikkonen
[B] Max Verstappen
[C] Lewis Hamilton
[D] Sebastian Vettel
Correct Answer: D [Sebastian Vettel]
Explanation:
Sebastian Vettel, a German racing driver currently driving in Formula One for Scuderia Ferrari, has won
the 2018 Formula One Australian Grand Prix tournament on March 25, 2018 in Melbourne, Victoria. He is a
four-time Formula One World Champion, having won the championship in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 with
Red Bull Racing. He is regarded by fellow and former drivers as one of the greatest Formula One drivers in
the history of the sport.
221.
Who has been appointed as the new acting chairperson of the National Green Tribunal (NGT)?
[A] Jawad Rahim
[B] Mohit Arora
[C] Dipak Misra
[D] R S Rathore
Correct Answer: A [Jawad Rahim ]
Explanation:
The Supreme Court has appointed Justice Jawad Rahim as the new acting chairperson of the National
Green Tribunal (NGT). The new acting chairperson will discharge his duties until a regular appointment is
made and will take part in selection process of other members of the NGT. However, the Chief Justice Dipak
Misra bench made it clear that this appointment is an interim arrangement and shall not be construed to be
a final determination of the seniority between Justice Rahim and Justice R S Rathore by the apex court. The
bench was informed that Justice Rahim and Justice R S Rathore are the judicial members of the NGT and
both were appointed to the NGT on the same date that was 12 January 2016.

222.
India’s first Insect Museum has opened in which state?
[A] Kerala
[B] Tamil Nadu
[C] Assam
[D] Odisha
Correct Answer: B [Tamil Nadu]
Explanation:
India’s first Insect Museum has been inaugurated by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswamy at the
Tamil Nadu Agricultural University in Coimbatore. The museum, established at a 6,691 sqft area, is fully
dedicated to insects and claimed to be the first of its in the country. It would display insects preserved as
specimens as also live ones depicting their different developmental stages, images, videos and models of
their unique behaviour, habits and habitats. The uniqueness of the museum is visible in the lobby, which
depicts the theme, “Bugs are kings” while the exhibiting area comprises seven radial walls (bay) on the right
side and an undivided wall on the left side.
223.
Who has been appointed as the Principal Scientific Advisor (PSA) to Government of India (GoI)?
[A] K Vijay Raghavan
[B] Mukesh Maheshwari
[C] Trilok Nath Das
[D] R Chidambaram
Correct Answer: A [K Vijay Raghavan]
Explanation:
Krishnaswamy Vijay Raghavan, one of the most distinguished biologists of the country, has been appointed
as the new Principal Scientific Advisor (PSA) to the Government of India (GoI). He will succeed 81-year-old
nuclear physicist R Chidambaram, who has been in the position for more than 16 years. The PSA, post
created by the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government in 1999, is the topmost advisor to the government on all
matters related to scientific policy. The office of the PSA is one of the three scientific bodies the government
relies on for advice on matters relating to science and which act as the interface between scientific
institutions and the government. The other two are Science Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (SAC-
PM) and Science Advisory Council to the Cabinet (SAC-C).
224.
The Department of Posts has launched Cool EMS Service between India and which country?
[A] Brazil
[B] China
[C] Japan
[D] United States
Correct Answer: C [Japan]
Explanation:
The Department of Posts under Ministry of Communications has launched Cool EMS Service between India
and Japan, which will come into force from 29.03.2018. It is one-way service from Japan to India which
allows customers in India to import Japanese food items for personal use which is allowed under Indian
regulations. Initially, Cool EMS Service will be available in Delhi only. Food items will be carried by Japan
Post in special cool boxes containing refrigerant to preserve the quality of the food items and addressee will
collect them from Foreign Post office, Kotla Road, New Delhi in-person or through a messenger in the
prescribed time frame. All other features like track and trace, etc of Express Mail Service (EMS) will be
available for Cool EMS service as well.
225.
India has signed how much amount of loan agreement with ADB to help boost youth employability in
Himachal Pradesh?
[A] $100 million
[B] $180 million
[C] $60 million

[D] $80 million

Correct Answer: D [$80 million]
Explanation:
The Government of India (GoI) has signed $80 million loan agreement with the Asian Development Bank
(ADB) to help modernize technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions and improve
the skills ecosystem in the State of Himachal Pradesh. The Project will establish a polytechnic for women,
six city Livelihood Centers, and seven Rural Livelihood Centers, and upgrade 11 employment exchanges into
model career Centers. These efforts will result in improved TVET awareness among youth, modernizing
training equipment, implementing a training information system, forging partnerships with private sector,
and creating better access to quality market-relevant TVET and livelihood development opportunities for
youth in Himachal Pradesh.
226.
Which state has highest number of fully covered tribal habitations with the safe drinking water?
[A] Madhya Pradesh
[B] Odisha
[C] Rajasthan
[D] Jharkhand
Correct Answer: A [Madhya Pradesh]
Explanation:
Madhya Pradesh has the highest number of 55770 fully covered tribal habitations with the safe drinking
water in the country followed by Odisha 52427 , Jharkhand 53476 numbers of habitations. This information
was given by the Union Minister of Tribal Affairs Jastwantsinh Bhabhor in Lok Sabha on March 28, 2018.
Beside this, the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation (MDWS) has informed that under the ‘National
Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP) Scheme, 10% of the total allocation of funds is earmarked to be
used for the supply of drinking water to Scheduled Tribe (ST) dominated habitations. States have been
directed to take special care for implementation of its scheme / programme in tribal areas and progress
thereof is monitored through online integrated management information system (IMIS) of MDWS. The
status of availability of drinking water to tribal habitations is available in public domain at
www.indiawater.gov.in/IMISReports/.
227.
Aleksandra Liashkova, who crowned the Miss Supermodel Worldwide 2018, is belong to which country?
[A] Uzbekistan
[B] Belarus
[C] Russia
[D] Thailand
Correct Answer: B [Belarus ]
Explanation:
Aleksandra Liashkova from Belarus was crowned Miss Supermodel Worldwide 2018 at a grand finale in
Gurugram on March 26, 2018. Ekaterina Evdokimova of Russia was declared 1st runner-up, Uzbekistan’s
Zarina Andirjanova was crowned second runner-up and Chantarachota Paphattanun from Thailand took
the third runner-up spot at the event here on Monday night. Shweta Parmar from India was awarded Miss
Congeniality.
228.
Which union ministry holded the first-ever National conclave on Psychological Trauma, Child Protection and
Mental Illnesses?
[B] Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
[C] Ministry of Women & Child Development
[D] Ministry of Human Resource Development
Correct Answer: C [Ministry of Women & Child Development ]
Explanation:
The first-ever National conclave on Psychological Trauma, Child Protection and Mental Illnesses was held
at J L N Auditorium in AIIMS, New Delhi on March 27-28, 2018. The purpose of the conclave was to provide

a comprehensive synthesis of research, service provision, and clinical practice in addressing psychological
trauma and subsequent mental illnesses in Indian children and adolescents. The National conclave was
organised by the Ministry of Women & Child Development (WCD) in collaboration with the Dept. of
Psychiatry of AIIMS. The conclave provided a common platform for all stakeholders (Academicians,
Clinicians, Government and NGOs) working in this area in the direction of robust evidence based research,
better service provision, and capacity building of professionals.
229.
The Murrum Silli Dam is located in which state?
[A] Punjab
[B] Mizoram
[C] Chhattisgarh
[D] Uttar Pradesh
Correct Answer: C [Chhattisgarh]
Explanation:
The Murrum Silli Dam is an earth-fill embankment dam on the Sillari River, a tributary of the Mahanadi
River. It is located in Dhamtari District of Chhattisgarh. It is one of the most prominent architectural
marvels in Chhattisgarh.
230.
Which Indian sportsperson has bagged gold in the women’s 25m Rapid Fire Pistol event at the 2018 ISSF
Junior Shooting World Cup in Sydney?
[A] Anisha Bhanwala
[B] Devanshi Rana
[C] Manu Bhaker
[D] Muskan
Correct Answer: D [Muskan ]
Explanation:
Indian shooter Muskan has clinched the gold medal in women’s 25m pistol event at the ISSF Junior World
Cup in Sydney, Australia on March 28, 2018. The 16-year-old Muskan bested China’s Qin Sihang and
Thailand’s Kanyakorn Hirunphoem. The team gold was won by Muskan, Manu Bhaker and Devanshi Rana,
adding to India’s rich medal haul. Muskan’s medal was India’s fourth individual gold in the prestigious
tournament. Indian trio of Anantjeet Singh Naruka, Ayush Rudraraju and Gurnilal Singh Garcha bagged the
team silver in men’s junior skeet with a total of 348. Beside Muskan, Anish Bhanwala from India bagged
gold medal in the men’s 25m Rapid Fire Pistol event on March 27. Hence, thus upstaged China with 22
medals, including 9 gold. India have also five silver and eight bronze medals.
231.
The first mega food park of Rajasthan has come up in which city?
[A] Kota
[B] Ajmer
[C] Jaipur
[D] Udaipur
Correct Answer: B [Ajmer]
Explanation:
The first mega food park of Rajasthan has inaugurated by Union Minister for Food Processing Industries
Harsimrat Kaur Badal at Roopangarh village near Ajmer. The Food Park is set up at an investment of Rs
113.57 crore and will benefit around 25 thousand farmers in Ajmer and neighbouring districts. Center has
given the Rs 50 crore subsidy for this project. The mega food park would attract an additional investment of
about Rs. 250 crore in about 30 food processing units in the park and to a turnover of about Rs 500 crore
per annum. The Park is expected to provide employment to around 5 thousand persons. Rajasthan is the
fourth largest producer of food grains in India and leader in mustard, guar seed, coriander, groundnut,
fennel, soybean, gram, and oilseeds.
232.
Who has been appointed as chairman of the central panel of the 65th National Film Awards (NFA)?
[A] Shekhar Kapur

[B] Imtiaz Hussain

[C] Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury
[D] P Sheshadri
Correct Answer: A [Shekhar Kapur]
Explanation:
Veteran director Shekhar Kapur has been appointed as chairman of the central panel of the 65th National
Film Awards (NFA). Mr Kapur is known for his work in Hindi cinema and International cinema. The central
panel comprises a chairperson and 10 other members, including five regional chairpersons who head the
respective regional panels. Film writer Imtiaz Hussain, known for his works in films like Astitva and
Parinda will be the regional chairperson of South 1- panel. Mehboob, who is a writer of Bollywood film songs
lyrics has been appointed as the regional chairperson of South -2 panel. Film actress Gautami Tadimalla,
who is known for her work in Tamil films, is the regional chairman of the North panel, while Director Rahul
Rawail known for films like Love Story and Betaab has been appointed as the regional chairperson of the
Western panel. Director P Sheshadri, who works in Kannada cinema, is the regional chairperson of Eastern
panel. The other members of the panel include Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury, Tripurari Sharma, Rumi Jaffery,
Ranjit Das and Rajesh Mapuskar.
233.
Who has been appointed as the new Director General Border Roads (DGBR)?
[A] SK Shrivastava
[B] Deepak Jain
[C] Harpal Singh
[D] Sanjeev Kumar
Correct Answer: C [Harpal Singh]
Explanation:
Lt Gen Harpal Singh, an alumni of National Defence Academy (NDA) of Khadakwasla, has been appointed
Director General Border Roads (DGBR) . He was commissioned into the Corps of Engineers on 1982. He later
commanded a Border Roads Task Force in Jammu and Kashmir valley. He has also been the Chief Engineer
of Project Dantak at Bhutan, Chief Engineer (Navy), Mumbai and Chief Engineer HQ Eastern Command.The
General is a graduate of the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, the Higher Command and National
Defence College courses. During his 34 years of distinguished career, the General Officer has held several
prestigious assignments.
234.
Which state is hosting the 17th Sub-junior National Wushu Championship 2018?
[A] Himchal Pradesh
[B] Punjab
[C] Jammu & Kashmir
[D] Sikkim
Correct Answer: C [Jammu & Kashmir]
Explanation:
The 17th Sub-junior National Wushu Championship has started in Jammu on March 29, 2018.The national
level sports event is being organised in the winter capital city of Jammu by the the Wushu Association of
India in collaboration with J&K State Sports Council at MA Stadium. About 37 teams comprising of over one
thousand boys and girls from across the country and 12 boys from Army are participating in the national
championship.
235.
Who has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ayushman Bharat – National Health
Protection Mission (AB-NHPM)?
[A] Suraj Gupta
[B] Deepankar Singhvi
[C] Kirti Pal Saxena
[D] Indu Bhushan
Correct Answer: D [Indu Bhushan]
Explanation:

Indu Bhushan has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Centre’s ambitious
Ayushman Bharat – National Health Protection Mission (AB-NHPM) for a period of two years, Currently, he
is Director General (DG) of East Asia Department of Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Manila, Philippines.
The Union cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has recently approved the centrally-
sponsored Ayushman Bharat mission, which will provide a health insurance cover of Rs 5 lakh per family
per year. The intended beneficiaries of the proposed scheme will be more than 10 crore poor and vulnerable
families, based on the Socio Economic and Caste Census (SECC) database.
236.
Who is the newly elected President of Myanmar?
[A] Win Myint
[B] Htin Kyaw
[C] Myint Swe
[D] Henry Van Thio
Correct Answer: A [Win Myint]
Explanation:
Win Myint, a loyalist of Aung San Suu Kyi, has been elected as the new President of Myanmar after the
resignation of his predecessor ‘Htin Kyaw’. Myint is a stalwart member of National League for Democracy
(NLD). He has been a Speaker in the Lower House since 2012 and was widely tipped for the top job. But his
role will be essentially ceremonial, with Ms Suu Kyi acting as de facto President.
237.
ISRO has successfully launched GSAT-6A satellite from which rocket vehicle?
[A] GSLV-F07
[B] GSLV-F09
[C] GSLV-F05
[D] GSLV-F08
Correct Answer: D [GSLV-F08]
Explanation:
ISRO has successfully launched GSAT-6A telecommunication satellite using the Geosynchronous Satellite
Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F08) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, about 110km from
Chennai on March 29, 2018. The 49.1-metre tall GSLV F 08 is a three-stage rocket weighing 415.6 ton. The
core of first stage is fired with solid fuel while the four strap-on motors by liquid fuel. The second is the
liquid fuel and the third is the cryogenic engine. The purpose of the satellite is to provide mobile
communication applications in S-band in five spot beams and C-band in one beam during its 10-year life
span. This is also the first GSLV rocket launch after Director Sivan took over as Chairman of ISRO.
238.
The 114th meeting of the Permanent Indus Commission (PIC)between India and Pakistan has started in which
city?
[A] Islamabad
[B] New Delhi
[C] Karachi
[D] Shimla
Explanation:
The 114th meeting of the Permanent Indus Commission (PIC) between India and Pakistan has started in
New Delhi on March 29, 2018. Representatives from both the sides are expected to discuss Water Treaty
dispute and resolution of outstanding issues. The PIC is mandated to establish and maintain cooperative
arrangements for the implementation of the treaty and to promote cooperation between the two sides in
developing the Indus water systems. The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) was signed in 1960 and involves six
rivers – the Beas, Ravi, Sutlej, Indus, Chenab and Jhelum. The PIC had last met in March 2017 in Islamabad.
The meeting of the PIC is held alternately in India and Pakistan at least once every year as mandated by the
Treaty. India’s Indus water commissioner PK Saxena and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) officials will
be part of the Indian delegation for the annual meeting. Pakistan’s six-member delegation will be led by
Syed Muhammad Mehar Ali Shah.

239.
What is the theme of the 2018 International Day of Forests?
[A] Forests and Water
[B] Forests and Energy
[C] Forests and Sustainable Cities
[D] Forests and Life
Correct Answer: C [Forests and Sustainable Cities]
Explanation:
The International Day of Forests is observed every year on March 21 to provide a platform to raise
awareness of the importance of all types of woodlands and trees and celebrate the ways in which they
sustain and protect us. The 2018 theme “Forests and Sustainable Cities” focuses on how forests and trees in
urban areas regulate temperature and water flows, provide nutritious foods and shelter, cleanse the air and
foster community cohesion and individual well-being, among other benefits.
240.
The Export-Import Bank of India (Exim Bank) has signed how much amount of Line of Credit (LoC) with
ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID?
[A] $500 million
[B] $100 million
[C] $200 million
[D] $800 million
Explanation:
The Export-Import Bank of India (Exim Bank) has signed a $500 million Line of Credit (LoC) agreement with
ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) to fund various development projects in the
western-south Africa. The LoC of $500 million to EBID is an umbrella limit for financing developmental
projects in 15-member countries of EBID in West African region — Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Cote
d’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone and
Togo. With the signing of this LoC agreement, Exim Bank till date has extended four LoCs to EBID, with the
support of the government, taking the total value of LOCs to $1,000 million. The Economic Community of
West African States (ECOWAS) has a mandate to promote economic integration in all fields of activity of the
constituting countries.
241.
Who has been appointed as the new Director-General of the National Testing Agency (NTA)?
[A] Ritvik Ranjanam Pandey
[B] B Kishore
[C] Vineet Joshi
[D] Nitishwar Kumar
Correct Answer: C [Vineet Joshi]
Explanation:
Vineet Joshi, a 1992-batch IAS officer of the Manipur cadre, has been appointed as the new Director-General
of the National Testing Agency (NTA) for a period of 5 years. The NTA under the Department of Higher
Education is an autonomous and self-sustained premier testing organisation, which will conduct entrance
examinations for higher educational institutions organised by the CBSE, AICTE and other bodies. The NTA
will take over majority of the examinations conducted by the CBSE from 2019 in phased manner. NTA will
start its operations with the Joint Engineering Entrance (JEE) and National Eligibility and Entrance Test
(NEET UG) for admissions to medical/ dental programmes from 2019. The Union Cabinet had approved the
setting up of the NTA in November 2017.
242.
The Union Cabinet has approved formulation of a new Integrated Scheme for School Education by subsuming
which of the following schemes?
[A] Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan
[B] Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan
[C] Teacher Education

[D] All of the above

Correct Answer: D [All of the above]
Explanation:
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved formulation of a new Integrated Scheme
for School Education (ISSE) by subsuming Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) , Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha
Abhiyan (RMSA) and Teacher Education (TE) from April 1, 2018 to March 31, 2020. An estimated allocation
of Rs 75,000 crore over the period has been approved which is a 20% increase over the current allocations.
The vision of the scheme is to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education from nursery to senior
secondary stage in accordance with the (United Nations’) Sustainable Development Goal for Education. The
main emphasis of the integrated scheme is on improving quality of school education by focussing on the
two T’s — Teacher and Technology.
243.
The Union Cabinet has approved MoU between India and SACEP for cooperation on oil and chemical
pollution in the South Asian Seas Region. What does ‘SACEP’ stands for?
[A] South Asian Campatibility Environment Programme
[B] South Asian Cooperative Environment Programme
[C] South Asian Connectivity Environment Programme
[D] South Asian Coercive Environment Programme
Correct Answer: B [South Asian Cooperative Environment Programme]
Explanation:
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) between India and South Asian Cooperative Environment Programme (SACEP) for
cooperation on the response to Oil and Chemical Pollution in the South Asian Seas Region. The MoU intends
to promote closer cooperation between India and other maritime nations comprising the South Asian seas
region namely Bangladesh, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka for protection and preservation of marine
environment in the region. Indian Coast Guard (ICG) will be the Competent National Authority and national
operational contact point for implementation of “Regional Oil Spill Contingency Plan” under the MoU and
shall respond to oil and chemical spills on behalf of Government of India. The SACEP is an inter-
governmental organisation established in 1982 by the South Asian governments to promote and support
protection, management and enhancement of the environment in the region.
244.
Who has been elected as the new President of Egypt?
[A] Moussa Mostafa Moussa
[B] El-Sayyid el-Badawi
[C] Abdel Fattah al-Sisi
[D] Ahmed Shafik Sisi
Correct Answer: C [Abdel Fattah al-Sisi]
Explanation:
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has been re-elected for a second term with a sweeping majority in
the 2018 Egyptian presidential election. Sisi got nearly 92% of the total votes. The President of Egypt is the
head of state of Egypt. Under the various iterations of the Constitution of Egypt, the president is also the
Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and head of the executive branch of the Egyptian government.
245.
Which union ministry has recently joined hands with Ministry of Power to support household electrification
scheme ‘Saubhagya’?
[A] Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship
[D] Ministry of Women and Child Development
Correct Answer: A [Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship]
Explanation:
The Union Ministry of Power has partnered with the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship to
train the manpower in six states – Assam, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Odisha and Uttar Pradesh –

for speedy implementation of its household electrification scheme ‘SAUBHAGYA’ on March 27, 2018. The
scheme is undertaken as a special project under the government’s Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana
(PMKVY). Around 47,000 Distribution Lineman-Multi Skills and 8,500 Technical Helpers will be trained to
meet the requirement of power sector. The purpose of the SAUBHAGYA (Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har
Ghar Yojna) scheme is to achieve universal household electrification in all parts of the country in a time
bound manner. Around 4 crore households are expected to get electricity connections under the scheme.
246.
R K Dorendra Singh, who passed away recently, was the former Chief Minister of which state?
[A] Punjab
[B] Manipur
[C] Assam
[D] Nagaland
Correct Answer: B [Manipur]
Explanation:
Raj Kumar Dorendra Singh (83), the former Chief Minister of Manipur, has passed away at the Jawaharlal
Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences Hospital in Imphal on March 31, 2018. In the past, he represented a
number of political parties; currently he was with Manipur People’s Party (MPP). He had been chief minister
of the state four times between 1974 to 1993. Before becoming the chief minister, he was the Speaker of
Manipur Assembly.
247.
Who has been appointed as the new Deputy Election Commissioner of India?
[A] Anurag Agarwal
[B] Mukul Ratra
[C] Girish C Hosur
[D] Chandra Bhushan Kumar
Correct Answer: D [Chandra Bhushan Kumar]
Explanation:
Chandra Bhushan Kumar, a 1995 batch IAS officer of union territories cadre, has been appointed as the new
Deputy Election Commissioner as part of a major bureaucratic reshuffle affected today by the government.
As per order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), he will hold the post for five
years.
248.
Which state government has recently raised retirement age of state govt employees from 60 to 62 years?
[A] Madhya Pradesh
[B] Rajasthan
[C] Punjab
[D] Uttar Pradesh
Correct Answer: A [Madhya Pradesh]
Explanation:
The Madhya Pradesh government has raised the retirement age of state government employees to 62 years
from the current age of retirement is 60 years. The announcement was made by Chief Minister Shivraj
Singh Chouhan. The MP Chief Minister cited promotion of general category employees as a reason to raise
the age limit of these employees. The state already has bigger retirement age limit in case of teachers and
doctors. The retirement age is 65 years for university/ college teachers and doctors (specialists), while for
the school teachers it is 62.
249.
Who has been appointed as the new Joint Secretary of 15th Finance Commission of India?
[A] Krishna Bahadur Singh
[B] Ravi Kota
[C] Anoop Singh
[D] Sanjay Adlakha
Correct Answer: B [Ravi Kota]
Explanation:

Ravi Kota, the 1993 batch IAS officer of Assam- Meghalaya, has been appointed Joint Secretary of 15th
Finance Commission under the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA). Presently, he is posted as Principal
Secretary in Government of Assam-Meghalaya. The Finance Commission, set up in 1951 under Article 280 of
the Constitution, basically decides how revenue has to be distributed between the Centre and the States. In
addition, the Commission also decides the principles on which grants-in-aid will be given to the States. The
15th Finance Commission was constituted on November 27, 2017 and is headed by former Revenue
Secretary Rajya Sabha MP N.K. Singh. The panel also includes Shaktikanta Das, former Economic Affairs
Secretary and Anoop Singh, adjunct professor at Georgetown University. This Commission is slated to
submit its recommendations by October 31, 2019. The recommendations, to be observed for a period of five
years, will kick in from April 1, 2020.
250.
The Rangit dam is build across which tributary of Tista River in Sikkim?
[A] Rangpo River
[B] Rangit River
[C] Lachung River
[D] Ringyong Chhu River
Correct Answer: B [Rangit River]
Explanation:
The Rangit Dam is a run-of-the-river power project on the Ranjit River, a major tributary of the Tista River,
in the South Sikkim district of Sikkim. The dam is 45 metres high concrete gravity structure of 100 metres
length. The reservoir created behind the dam has a storage capacity of 1,175,000 cubic metres. The average
annual power generation from the 60 MW (3×20 MW) project is 340 GWh with firm power of 39 MW.

March 2018

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GKTODAY

Resources for Competitive Examinations

Objective Current Affairs: March, 2018

Last Updated: April 8, 2018

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Correct Answer: D [Karnataka]

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[B] Vinesh Phogat

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[B] Ajit Doval committee

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[D] Women Literacy Platform

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[A] Om Prakash Mitharval

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[C] India and France

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Correct Answer: C [Bihar]

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Correct Answer: B [Making Digital Marketplaces Fairer]

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Correct Answer: C [Rs.3000 crore]

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