Special April 2017 Issue 188 Pages 30 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE TODAY pa SPECIAL BOOKLET News & Knowledge : 3D-printed Homes Zealandia : The Lost Continent Receding Glaciers SOLVED) PAPERS RRB Centralised Exams, MQP_ ‘SSC 10+2 Exam For DEO & LDC Fi /CSRmagazineofficial| _/esr_csrmagazine]Rau’s IAS Study Circle” Tina Dabi, AIR 1 including 7 others in top 20,41 in top 100 with total 391 selections (For Civil Services Prelim & Main Examination, 2018) The programme holistically prepares for Prelim (Paper | - General Studies & Paper Il - CSAT) and Main (General Studies - All four papers & Essay) ION: 9 months’ duration (4 hours classes daily) through small batch size of only 80-100 students Regular assessments to track progress ETED: Quality Improvement Programme (QIP) + Test Series (TS) for revision before Prelims & Mains Public Administration, Geography, Sociology, History and Political Science Study Materialis also available Hostel facility can be arranged Available in English & Hindi both years of amazing Pisce Mig INTERVIEW GUIDANCE (2016-17) Mock Interviews will COMMENCE from 10th March 2017. THE INTERVIEW PANEL is rut att asa tarts Xe) Lee CED eca ite students) and subject specialists. Weekend Batches Also Available In 12 Months’ Duration. Coming Me career em erent te Guess ee ee NEW BATCHES WILL BEGIN NEW DELHI : 30.06.2017 PrN AU 30.06.2017 BENGALURU : 07.07.2017 ADMISSIONS OPEN APPLY NOW Rau’s IAS Study Circle® HEAD OFFICE & NEW DELHI CAMPUS Pes EUS E Creu ice Reo ede sero Mme OBEPEESE PN eee OUe ood MEE Piers 3515 Find us on: wwwfacebook.com/rausias [] www.rauias.com/blog = contact@rauias.com‘Symbiosis Entrance Test (For Undergraduate Degree Programmes) 6" May, 2017 Mr. Vinay M. Mundada Director, SID S.No. 231/9A~4, Viman Nagar Pune 4 O14,Maharashtra. india.Pay Rs, 395. coke Wow cova win Get Rs, 720 Ws bi S Ta cues Pay Rs. 395 and get GKT for ‘years (24 issues) worth Rs. 720 CONTENTS Vol. XIVII No. 4 (Page 161) (Chairman & Editor “ S. K. 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TeacherEducator or email resume to 1's @azimpremjifoundation.org i Cn OR ction)Do Boondein, Do Minute mein, Chehrey par taazgi laaye!Assembly Elections In Five States ‘The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) thumped competition. in_ its best-ever show in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand sweep, giving PM Mr. Modi [aR the green sigmal to go ahead with his reforms. For the Congress and Rahul Gandhi, it is a 5 big loss of face, despite hy 24 ml mS regaining Punjab and a oe 3 rs eeetenael Election Results 2017 fighting chance in G The BJP rode to a Merny Ss massive victory in Uttar Pradesh; ‘with Mr. Modi's personal appeal, his _ party secured 312 of the 403- seats for a grand total of 325. As euphoric party workers celebrated an early eo mee Holi, BJP chief cong “BSP _ Others Mr. Amit Shah attributed the win to PM Mr. Modi's him as "the most popular leader since Independence." The BJP also swept neighbouring Uttarakhand. — The Congress won Punjab and has a few more . Its allies won 13 leadership, describing seats than the BJP in SMEENea KBK Pallgraphics GENERAL KNOWLEDGE TODAY, APRIL 2017 7‘soars to new high in Uttar Pradesh Oe Goa and Manipur, with no party getting a majority, in the results from five States electing Legislative Assemblies that were declared on March 11, 2017. “The BJP is returning to power in the politically crucial State of Uttar Pradesh after a gap of 15 years, after routing the Samajwadi Party-Congress alliance and the Bahujan Samaj Party, once a leading power in a State where the BJP last ruled in 2002. The win is particularly gratifying for Mr. Modi as it helps him to overcome the setback he suffered in Bihar in 2015. The stunning victory established PM Mr. Modi as “the king of the Hindi heartland” and cemented the BJP's Punjab Assembly Poll Outcome 2017 Total seats: 117 reece Bree posisanas the dominant poliieal player ‘The landslide win of the BJP in Uttar Pradesh will strengthen Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi's claim to a second term in 2019. This spectacular victory also signals a ringing approval of his palicles, especially his’ contcovessial decision to scrap the high-denomination currency (Rs. 500 and Rs. 1000), which led to a cash crunch, but was welcomed by common man as a move helpful in fighting corruption. The BJP’s victory in Uttar Pradesh also improves the mathematics for Mr. Modi's party in the Upper House of Parliament. The members are elected from the State Assemblies and Uttar Pradesh has this new mandate, Mz. Modi is likely 00 go after financial corruption. He will also be able to pursue other reforms such as greater tax compliance. The BJP returned to office in Uttarakhand with a thumping majority winning 57 seats as against 11 of its rival, with Congress Chief Minister Mr. Harish Rawat losing both the seats he contested. ‘Apart from a setback in Punjab, where the SAD-BJP combine lost comprehensively, the BJP and Congress were neck and neck in Manipur and Goa where smaller parties will now hold the balance of power. The BJPalso surpassed the opposition and cobbled enough support from smaller parties to form governments in Goa and Manipur, which saw the party surge for the first time. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE TODAY, APRIL 2017Manipur Assembly Poll Outcome 2017 For the Congress, some consolation came from the northern State of Punjab, where the party rode anti-incumbency to decisively root out the Akali Dal-BJP alliance and handing the State to the opposition Congress Party, run by the Gandhi dynasty. For AAP supremo and Delhi Chief Minster Mr. Arvind Kejriwal, the poll results punctured his national ambitions for the time being, The party won just 22 seats in Punjab and failed to open its account in Goa despite a month- long campaign that saw Mr. Kejriwal spending much time away from Delhi. It is estimated that AP's flirtations with pro-Khalistani sections may have caused many voters to reject party that was once s the favourite to win the State. ection Commission data, the BJP’s vote share in Uttar Pradesh doubled to about 41.4% over the last Assembly polls in 2012, an astonishing achievement also credited to Mr Amit Shah, the BJP President and PM Mr. Mod?’s chief election strategist. The party had bagged 42.6% votes in Lok Sabha elections in 2014. Even in the States where the Congress was ahead, the BJP registered a higher vote share, ‘The party bagged 32.5% votes in Goa to Congres 28.4% while in Manipur it got 36.3% as against its rival’s tally of 35.1%. Goa Assembly Poll Outcome 2017 Total seats:40 oT Party 2012 [cong | 9 | EC 71a 8]\ a es mop | 3) 3] = ‘overs | mal [one mee CTT (24 Fra [a2s) vez mar + mucr 12131 048 Secs ‘The results mean the poor run of the Congress continues with only Punjab and, to a lesser extent, Goa offering relief. Its attempt to ride on the coat-tails of a strong regional party came a cropper in Uttar Pradesh. It will be, psychologically speaking, at a disadvantage when it faces off with the BJP in Mr. Modi's backyard of Gujarat later in 2017. The results also sent a strong message to SP leader Mr. Akhilesh Yadav and BSP leader Ms. Mayawati. The Dalit czarina saw her party suffering another electoral humiliation after drawing a blank in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls: a clear indication that her tested caste driven formula has lost its appeal with voters. Mr. Akhilesh's attempt to break free of the image of being a leader of a party which caters principally to Yadavs and Muslims did not find favour with voters either. ‘The BJP views the stunning victory as a justification of the Union Government's policies and looks forward to press ahead with a mix of economic reforms and welfare in the run-up to the next Lok Sabha elections. The largely focussed on carving a large right-of-centre constituency by enticing the middle-class through growth and a focus on financial inclusion programmes for the poor. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE TODAY, APRIL 2017NEWS & KNOWLEDGE India’s Only Active Volcano ‘After remaining dormant for 150 years, India’s only active volcano had become active in 1991. After over 25 1s, that volcano, on Barren Island in the Andaman Sea, again spewed smoke and lava in 2017 and its activity was closely watched by the scientists of Goa-based National Institute of Oceanography (NIO). According to NIO, a team of scientists aboard research ship RV Sindhu Sankalp found on January 23, 2017, that the volcano was spewingash: The scientists watched the volcano eruptingin small episodes which lasted only 5 to 10 minutes. When they revisited the volcano on January 26, 2017 they saw blastsand smoke coming in spurts. There are 13,000documented volcanoes in the world, of which 1,300 are active volcanoes. There is only one active volcano in India. The Barren Island volcano is 354-metre high. Tt is located 140 km north-eastof Port Blair. 3D-printed concrete walls and partitions as a fully connected structure were created by a 3D-printer. Printing the building in panels at an off-site facility was avoided, the company, Apis Cor, revealed. ‘The design of the home was a deliberate attempt by the creator to show how capable the 3D-printer was of printing the construction material any shape. The 37 sq.metre home, which has windows and doors costing most, was constructed at a cost of 6,76,105. The cost of construction per sq.metre is Rs. 18,347. This studio- style home near Moscow, Russia comprises a hall, a bath room, a living room and a compact kitchen. Thus, this technique has been very cost: effective saving up to 70%. 10 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE TODAY, APRIL 2017Seven Earth-size Planets With Potential To Host Life Found Scientists working at the US Space agency, NASA’ revealed on February 23, 2017 that they had ultimately discovered that there are seven planets some 40 light-years trillion miles) away from the Earth with potential to hostlife. These planets have been found by NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope, which according to the scientists are of the same size as the Earth. They have called these planets TRAPPL hhe planets have been named so after “the Transiting Planets and Planetesimals Small ‘Telescope (TRAPPIST)” in Chile. In fact, researchers, using ‘TRAPPIST, had announced the discovery of three planets in the system in May 2016. ‘The scientists have revealed that three of these planets are located in the habitable zone, the area around the parent star, where a rocky planet is most likely to have liquid water. In contrast to our Sun, the ‘TRAPPIST-1 stat, classified as an ultra- cool dwarf, is so cool that liquid water could exist on planets orbiting very close to it. Scientists have expressed the view that the TRAPPIST-1 planets may be tidally locked to their star, which means that the same side is always facing the star Zealandia : The Lost Continent Zealandia\ NewZealand J 1500 km) f New Zealand is situated on top of a previously unknown continent of which most part is submerged under the South Pacific. This lost continent has been referred to as “Zealandia” by ientists. Accordingto them Zealandia fulfilsall the criteria thatare the features of the Earth’s 7 continents. It has got elevation above surrounding areas and has a distinctive geology. It also has a well-defined area. Its crust is much thicker than that found on the ocean floor. According to a paper published in the Geological Society of America’s journal, GSA Today, Zealandia measured five million sq. miles was 94 percent underwater. The paper also says that Zealandia had only three major landmasses. They were: New Zealand’s North, South Islands to the south and New Caledonia to the north. Once part of Gondwana super-continent, Zealandia broke away 100 million years ago, scientists say GENERAL KNOWLEDGE TODAY, APRIL 2017 "China’s Defence Preparedness China announced a 7 percent increase in its military spending in 2017, making it the Second largest in the world after the US. Chinese military is already the largest in terms of personnel. Chinese army has 6,540 main battle tanks, 5,020 armoured personnel carriers, 913 helicopters, 13,178 artillery. ‘There are 16,00,000 personnel in the army. The number of personnel in Chinese air force is 3,98,000 and there are 2,306 combat. aircr: Besides, the air force has got 53 helicopters. Chinese navy has got 2,35,000 personnel. The navy has got 61 submarines, 74 principal combat vessels, 199 patrol and coastal combatants, 49 mine sweepers and layers, 120 landing craft, 171 logistics and support ships, 346 aircraft, 103 helicopters and one aircraft cartier. Journey To Moon ‘The giant strides science has taken over the last several decades have made people think of even going on a pleasure trip around the moon. The Elon Musk-led company of the US has revealed that two tourists have already paid a significant amount for their journey. The company has, however, not revealed the names of the aspiting tourists. ‘They will fly aboard a spaceship after its first test flight later in 2017. After the first unmanned mission, the next one with crew will take place in the second quarter of 2018. According to the SpaceX, the space tourists would make a loop around the moon moving very close to the lunar surface and thereafter, beyond it. The mission does not include lunar landing. According to SpaceX it has thought of executing the plan when the US space agency NASA cooperated. The US has not sent any astronau 1970s. to the moon since the 12 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE TODAY, APRIL 2017Current Events NATIONAL mm FEBRUARY 2017 Sl 11. Union Law Minister Mr. Ravi Shankar Prasad tells the media that the Union Government is committed to an independent judiciary. 12. Union Minister of State for Labour and Employment Mr. Bandaru Dattatreya launches National Career Service (NCS) and JeevanPraman facility to EPFO pensioners through Post Offices at Dak Sadan in Hyederabad. 13. India’s first floating elementary school named Loktak Elementary Floating Schoolis inaugurated at Langolsabi Leikai of Champu Khangpok floating village on Loktak Lake in Manipur. 16. External Affairs appointed India’s High Commissioner to Canada, * Tamil Governor C. Vidyasagar Rao appoints Mr. Edappadi K. Palaniswami of ATADMK as the Chief [ie Minister of TamilNadu. A total of 31 other All (i India Anna Dravida fi y Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) MLAS are also sworn in a Ministers. 17. India’s only live volcano which had started showing activity in 1991 after lying dormant for over 150 years has again started spewing ash, the researchers at Goa-based National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) say. 18. The Indian Coast Guard Ship Ayush, the last in the series of 20 Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs), designed and indigenously built by M/s Cochin Shipyard Limited, is commissioned in Kochi, Kerala. The Indian Navy's second ocean- going sailboat INSV Tarini is inducted into the fleet at INS Mandovi, Verem, in the presence of Defence Minister Mr. Manohar Parrikar, Chief Minister Mr, Laxmikant Parsekar and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral SunilLanba. 20. The Government launches another initiative in digital payments called Bharat QR—a QR code-based payment system. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE TODAY, APRIL 2017‘The Union Government clared a Rs. 17,000-crore deal for developing with Israel a medium-range surface-to-air missile (MR-SAM) for the arn, on February 22, 2017. It is the world’s first inter-operable payment acceptance solution. India sanctions soft loan of $340 million to Nepal for various infrastructure development programmes. Under the programme Mahakali bridge and 15 roads will be constructed in various parts of Nepal. 21. Justice Mr. Abhay Manohar Sapre is appointed the Chairman of Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT). The post fell vacant following the resignation of Justice Mr. Balbir Singh Chauhan, 22, Foreign Secretary Mr. S, Jaishankar raises two issues—China’s opposition to India’s admission into the Nuclear Suppliers Group and China’s attempt to resist JEM Chief Masood Azhar being banned by the UN Security Council— during his visit to Beijing, China, however, politely declines to give any assurance. & ARs. 17,000-crore deal is cleared by the Indian government for jointly developing with Israel a medium-range surface-to-air missile (MR-SAM) for the 14 army. The deal envisages 40 firing units and around 200 missiles. The MR-SAM, a land-based version of the long-range surface-to-air missile (LRSAM) for the navy, will have a strike range of up to 70km. 23.'The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security issues an order doing away with stamping hand bag tags with immediate effect. 24. A 112-foot tall Shiva statue is unveiled by Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu on the occasion of Maha Shivratri. In the yogic culture, Shiva is known as Adiyogi or the first yogi—the originator of yoga. 26. India Meteorological Department forecasts above normal temperature in most parts of the country during 2017 summer season. The maximum temperatures in March to May 2017 are likely to be warmer by more than 1°C in north, northwest and parts of central India. In other parts, maximum temperature will be between 0.5 t0 1°C more than the normal. 27. The fourth edition of India- CLMV (Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Vietnam) Business Conclave is held in Jaipur, Rajasthan. The conference, organised by Department of Commerce and Confederation of Indian Industry (CID, held deliberations on manufacturing, renewable energy, agriculture and skilling among other sectors in the region. 28, India’s first integrated heliport, a dedicated landing facility for helicopters, is opened in New Delhi. ‘The heliport consists of a terminal building with a capacity for 150 passengers, four hangers with parking capacities for 16 helicopters and nine parking bays. The heliport was completed in almost two years at a cost of nearly Rs. 100 crore. The heliport a joint initiative of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Pawan Hans Limited (HPL). GENERAL KNOWLEDGE TODAY, APRIL 2017@ MARCH 2017 Sl 1. The Union Government shifts the ibility of promoting digital transactions in the country to the Union Ministry of I and Electronics (MEITY) from NITT (National Institution for ‘Transforming India) Aayog. 2. The Union Government announces that half of the 4,096-km long border India shares with Bangladesh has been fenced. The remaining half will be fenced by the 2019 deadline. 4. The GST Council meeting headed by Union Finance Minister Mr. Arun Jaitley approves the final draft of Central GST (CGST) and Inter-State GST (IGST) laws. The approval of CGST and IGST laws is considered as significant step towards meeting the July 1, 2017 deadline for rolling out of the Goods and Services ‘Tax GST). 6. The world’s longest-serving warship INS Viraat is decommissioned by the Mumbai, Maharashtra after nearly six decades of service. It was built in 1943 during the Second World War and was first commissioned as the HMS Hermes into the British Royal Navy in November 1959. * The Trade Mark Rules, 2017 come into effect, streamlining and simplifying the processing of Trade Mark applications. The new rules are released by the Union Ministry of Commerce & GENERAL KNOWLEDGE TODAY, APRIL 2017 Industry and will replace the erstwhile ‘Trade Mark Rules, 2002. 7. The Indian Instituteof Science (IISc) Bangalore becomes the first Indian educational institution to make it to the top 10 of aglobal ranking for universities, with eighth rank in the Times Higher Education or THE Rankings, 2017 in the “best small universities” category (having less than 5,000 students). % The Union Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas announces new Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) for oil and gas exploration. It will help india to attract greater foreign investment to boost output. 8.The Union Ministry of Environment, Forestand Climate Change (MoEFCC) launches a web portal for obtaining Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearances. 9. Chief Election Commissioner Mr, Nasim Zaidi says in an interview that multi-phase polls in India will not come toanend as Central police forces are used for the conduct of free and fair polls. 10. The Rajya Sabha passes the Enemy Property (Amendment and Validation) Bill, 2016 amid fierce objection by the Opposition parties. 11. The results of Assembly elections in five States are declared. The BJP takes 312 of the 403 seats in UP; wins 57 of the 70 seats in Uttarakhand; in Punjab, the Congress bags 77 of the 117 seats; in Manipur, the Congress wins 28 of the 60 seats and the BJP 21 seats; in Goa the Congress wins 17 seats and the BJP 13. 12. Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi unveils his vision for what he terms “New India” based on development opportunities, empowering the poor rather than keeping them dependent on doles. 14. Former Defence Minister Mr, Manohar Partikar of BJP is sworn in as the Chief Ministerof Goaby Governor Ms. Mridula Sinha. 15INTERNATIONAL mm FEBRUARY 2017 Sm 11. US President Mr. Donald Trump says that he is considering signing a “brand new” executive order on immigration. 12. North Korea fires a ballistic missile into the sea * Switzerland votes on relaxed citizenship laws. The government as well as most lawmakers and political part support the idea. 13. An explosion near the Punjab Provincial Assembly in Lahore kills 13 people and wounds 83 others. % UN Secretary-General Mr. Antonio Guterres condemns North Korea’s missile test and calls for a united international response to the further violation of the UN resolutions. 14. Venezuela’s Vice-President Mr. Tareck El Assami_ calls his blacklisting by the US on drug charges an imperialist aggression. It is the first bilateral flare-up under __ the administration of US President Mr. Donald Tramp. 15. Former Sri Lankan President Ms. Chandrika Kumaratunga says. that the Sri Lankan government will soon launch a campaign to garner support for a new constitution, 16. The UN envoy for the West Asia says that the two-state solution is the only way to meet the aspirations of the Palestinians and Israelis. Only a day ago, US President Mr. Donald ‘Trump stepped back from the US commitment to a two-state solution as part of a final peace deal 17. Pakistani security forces launch a major crackdown on militants, killing more than 100. 18. The US navy’s Carrier Strike Group, which includes a series of warships and airceaft, start patrolling South China Sea despite China’s to Washington against challenging its sovereignty 19. The US-backed Iraqi forces launch a ground offensive to dislodge 1S militants from their remaining stronghold in Mosul, in the western part of the city, and put an end to their ambitions for territorial rule in Iraq, 20. Around 50 suspects go on trial who are accused of plotting to During his first address to Congress on February 28, 2017, US President Mr. Donald ‘Trump called for adopting a merit-based immigration system. It can benefit essionals from count like India. He modified his hard- line rhetoric with a promise to revive the “American spirit”. Mr. Trump also noted that many countries like Canada, Australia and others have immigration system. US President Donald Trump Hints At Merit-based Tmmigration System US President Mr. Donald Tramp addressing the joint session of the Congress on February 28, 2017. 16 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE TODAY, APRIL 2017assassinate Turkish President Mr. Recep ‘Tayyip Erdogan at a luxury Aegean hotel on the night of July 15, 2016 coup. 21, US Department of Homeland Security releases a set of documents translating President Mr. Donald Trump’s executive orders on immigration and border security into policy, bringing a major shift in the way the agency enforces ’s immigration laws. the nation’s 22. The State-run news agency of ‘Turkey says that Turkey’s army is lifting a ban on women officers wearing the Islamic headscarf in the officially secular country. 23. The US-backed Iraqi forces capture Mosul airport in a major gain in operations to drive Islamic State from the western half of the city. % UN Secretary-General Mr. Antonio Guterres raises the alarm about the risk of famine in northern Nigeria, Somalia and Yemen. 24. Ata conference hosted by the UN, Germany, Nigeria and Norway, a group of countries pledge at least $672 million to prevent a famine in the ‘African countries around the Lake Chad Basin. 25. An industry report says that China’s bad loans ‘totalled $220 billion in 2016. A chunk of the borrowing was for urban infra projects. 26. The European Parliament takes an unusual step to crack down on racism and hate speech in its own house. At the European Parliament, where elections are due in 2019, many say that need for action against the hate speech and strong sanctions for offenders, is long overdue. 27. A US administration official says that President Mr, Donald ‘Trump’s budget plan would include a $54-billion increase in defence spending and a corresponding decrease in non-military programmes. 28. Five Islamic militants are sentenced to death by a special court in Bangladesh for murdering a Japanese citizen in 2005. @= MARCH 2017 Sl 1. A half-hour video released by a division of the Islamic State shows IS militants from China’s Uighur ethnic minority vowing to return home and engage in indiscriminate bloodshed. China has for years blamed Uighur separatists for a series of violent attacks in its western Xinxiang region, 2. Sweden announces that it will reintroduce compulsory military service to respond to global security challenges, including from Russia. Conscription was ended by the Swedish government in 2010, deeming it unsatisfactory way of meeting the needs of modern army. * Egypt's top appeals court acquits former President Mr. Hosni: Mubarak. It found him innocent of involvement in the killing of protesters during the 2011 uprising. Does your GKT subscription copy reach late or sometimes not at all ? We ate sorry for postal irregulasities, transit losses and delays. But, s you know, we are only publishers and we do not have any control over ices of the Government of India. swe assure you that we are posting the magazine to all our subscribers on fixed dates under Licence No. U (49 under whichall copies are counted by postal authorities inthe post office postal ser Howevel before posting. Comper responsibility of non-receipt dirough ordinary post as is being done by Loadstar published by Wn Review Pvt, Ltd, bears no Staff Selection Commission, India, % Please check your subscription period. It might have expited. Fovernment of| GENERAL KNOWLEDGE TODAY, APRIL 2017 73. UN rights chief Mr. Zaid Ra’ad Al Hussein says that Sri Lanka has made worryingly slow progr: in addressing its wartime lapses, warning that this" could threaten lasting peace and stabi Bangladeshi police arrest Shaikh Mohammad Abul Kashem, the founder of an offshoot of the Jamaat-ul- Mujahideen Bangladesh. The group is accused of inspiring followers to kill foreigners, according to the chief of the counter-terrorism unit. 4. China announces a modest 7 percent increase in its military budget for 2017. The expenditure of $145 billion as per its budget plan will be more than three times the size of India’s defence budget for 2017-18. * The US State Department designates Pakistan-based Altaf Khanani group as a money-laundering organisation for facilitating the illicit movement of billions of dollars for crime and terror outfits. 5. China’s legislature focuses on President Mr. Xi Jinping’s sanding as the core leader to steer the country’s political and economic reforms. In his annual work report, Chinese Prime Minister Mr.Li Keqiang signalled the consolidation of power under Mr. Xi. ai [Xi Jinping | 18 % Sri Lankan President rejects a fresh appeal from the United Nations to allow judges to investigate alleged war-era atrocities, vowing to not prosecute soldiers. 6. The US administration issues a new executive order, temporarily banning travel from six Muslim-majority countries—Sudan, Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia and Yemen. 6. Nuclear-armed North Korea launches four ballistic missiles in another challenge to US President Mr. Donald Trump. Three of the missiles landed closely to Japan which is America’s ally. * Nuclear-armed North Korea launches four ballistic missiles in another challenge to US President Mr. Donald Trump. Three of the missiles landed closely to Japan which is America’s ally. 7. The US and South Korean militaries say that US missile launchers and other equipment required for setting up a missile defence system have arrived in South Korea. This was done a day after North Korea launched four ballistic missilesinto the ocean near Japan. 8. The agitating United Democratic Madhesi Front leaders serve an ultimatum to Nepalese Prime Minister Mr. Pushp Kamal Dahal “Prachanda”, threatening to withdraw support if their demands are not addressed in a wee 9. European Union President Mr. Donald Tusk wins a second term after twenty-seven European Union leaders voted at a summit in Brussels, Belgium to give him a new two-and-a-half-year mandate. 10. South Korea’s Constitutional Court removes President Ms. Park Geun-hye from office, becoming the country’s first democratically elected leader to be forced out of office. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE TODAY, APRIL 2017e two-day Commonwealth Trade Summit concludes. Ministers from acro the bloc commit to boosting intra~ Commonwealth trade in the face of the growing demand for protectionism globally. 11. An official spokesman reveals that US President Mr. Donald ‘Trump has invited Palestinian leader Mr. Mahmud Abbas to visit the White House soon to discuss resume the Palestine-Israeli political 1 130 foreign policy experts denounce sident Mr. Donald ‘Trump’s revi ying it undermines America’s national security and interests. SPORTS =m FEBRUARY 2017 Sa 11. Rio Olympic champions Shaunae Miller of Bahamas, Omar McLeod of Jamaica, Derek Drouin of Canada and Katerine Stefanidi of Greece win titles at the 110th Millrose Games indoor athletics meet in New York. * Eight-time Olympic champion Usain Bolt of Jamaica secures a classy win for his All-Stars team with two impressive runs on the final night of _ the inaugural Nitro Athletics Meet in Melbourne. 12. Bizuneh Melaku Belachew of Ethiopia smashes _ his personal best to win the Hong Kong Marathon in :thiopia’s Gulume Tollesa Chala wins in women’s category. * Tommy Sugiarto of Indonesia wins his Men’s singles title in 2017 at ‘Thailand — Masters Badminton Championship, outclassing Kantaphon Wangcharoen of ‘Thailand 21-17, 21-11. Women’s singles is won by Busanan Elated Indian players at Ongbamrungp of ‘Thailand, defeating Aya Ohori of Japan 21-18, 21-16. % Indian racer Jehan Daruvala wins the Toyota Racing Series’ New Zealand Grand Prix at the Chris Amon Circuit in Manfeild, New Zealand. %* The Indian blind cricket team successfully defend its T20 World Cup title in Bengaluru, defeating arch-tivals Pakistan by nine wickets in the final, 13. Indian cricket team continue its winning streak, defeating Bangladesh by 208 runs in the One-off Test match played in Hyderabad. 14, Australian cricketer Adam Voges announces retirement from international cricket. His game for the Prime Minister’s XT against Sri Lankans in Canberra is his last international game. inning the Blind T-20 World itle on February 12, 2017. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE TODAY, APRIL 2017 1916. Norman Isaac becomes the first Indian to be promoted by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) as the Technical Delegate. 17. Iran defeat the United States to take the Gold medal in Wrestling World Cup. Olympic Silver medallist Komeil Ghasemi beats American Nick Gwiazdowski 5-0, giving Iran a 5-3 win. 18. The Indian Women’s team settles for a Silver at the Asian Rugby Sevens Trophy held at Vientiane, Laos. India are beaten by South Korea by 0-29. 19. Veteran Spanish rider Alejandro Valverde claims his fifth Tour of Andalusia win in six years as he held off compatriot Alberto Contador to win by just one second in Madrid. & Dustin Johnson powers to a five- stroke victory in Genesis Open Golf Tournament in United States. He follows up third-round 64 with an even par final round of 71 for a 17-under par total of 267. & Top seed Dimitrij Ovtcharov wins the ITTF World Tour India Open title at the Thyagaraj Sports Complex in New 20 Delhi, defeating Tomokazu Harimoto 11-6, 11-8, 11-4, 14-12. * Karolina Pliskova of Czech Republic beats Caroline Wozniacki of "| Denmark for the first time in her career to H claim the Qatar Open women’s singles title in Doha, winning in straight sets 6-3, 6-4, 21. India defeat South Africa by one run to win the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier 2017 at the P. Sara Stadium in Sti Lanka. 23. Olympic Silver medallist John-John Dohmen of Belgium and retiring Netherlands star Naomi Van As are named the male and female Players of the Year for 2016, respectively, by the International Hockey Federation (FIH). 25.The famous Army Polo Championship has a thrilling final match between 61 Cavalry and Army Service Corps with the former bagging the championship. 26. Kalinga Lancers defeat Dabang Mumbai 4-1 to clinch their maiden Hockey India League title. Uttar Pradesh Wizards claim the Bronze medal. % Rio Olympian Thanackal Gopi and Monika Athare win the men’s andwomen’s titles respectively in the second edition of the New Delhi Marathon. Manchester United wins the English Football League , defeating Southampton 3 at Wembley Stadiven i London. == MARCH 2017 Sm 1. Shooters Jitu Rai and Amanpreet Singh win Gold and Silver, respectively in men’s 50m free pistol event at the GENERAL KNOWLEDGE TODAY, APRIL 2017ISSF Shooting World Cup at the Karni Singh Shooting Ranges in New Delhi. 3. India’s Angad Veer Singh Bajwa teams up with Haley Dunn of the USA to claim the Grand Prix Bronze medal in mixed team skeet event of the ISSF World Cup. 4. Briton Andy Murray defeats Fernando Verdasco of Spain 6-3, 6-2 to win the Dubai Tennis Championships title for the first time and claim his 45th career crown, % India’s Rohan Bopanna and Marcin Matkowski lose the doubles final of Dubai Tennis Championships to Horia Tecau and J. Rojer 6 3-10. % Sam Querrey beats Rafael Nadal to win ATP Mexico Open title, with a 6-3, 7-6 (7-3) win over 14-time Grand Slam champion. 5. Indian women’s hockey team beat Belarus 3-1 in the third match to clinch the five-Test series in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. HONOURS mm FEBRUARY 2017 Sa 12. The 70th British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Awards ceremony is held at the Royal Albert Hall in London. ‘La La Land’ wins the most awards at the event, winning five including Best Film Award. * The 59th Annual Grammy Awards are announced by the Recording Academy at the Staples C wins the most awards in 5 different categories. 14. World’s greatest sprinter Usain Bolt of Jamaica wins the ‘Sportsman of the Year’ trophy for a record-equalling fourth time at the Laureus World Awards at a glittering ceremony at Monaco. Philippines win Asia Men’s Rugby Sevens Trophy at Aspire Rugby Field in Doha, Qatar and secure a place in Asia Rugby Sevens Series. India defeat Pakistan 14-12 to secure the 7th rank. * Australia’s Ashleigh Barty clinches the WTA Malaysian Open title after she brushes aside Japan’s Nao Hibino 6-3, 6-2 in Kuala Lumpur. 7. India register their one of the finest ever victories in Tests after defeating Australia by 87 runs in the second Test in Bengaluru. 8. India face hosts England on the opening day of the ICC Women’s World Cup slated to be under way from June 24, 2017, the ICC says. 10. England defeat West Indies by massive 186 runs in the third and final ODI in Barbados, sweeping the ODT series 3-0. C. Woakes of England wins Man of the Series award. 12. Shiv Shankar Prasad Chavrasia defends his golf title at the Hero Indian Open with a stunning seven-shot win in Gurugram, Haryana. & AWARDS "Adele sweeps Grammy Awards vith 5 wins at the 59th Annual Grammy Awards in Las Angles on February 12, 2017. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE TODAY, APRIL 2017 atKayak, ‘Minister for Health and Family Welfare Mr. J. P. Nadda presents the Kayakalp Awards (2016-17) in New Delbi, on February 15, 2017. 15. Mr. J. P. Nadda, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, presents the Kayakalp Awards (2016-17) in New Delhi. The first prize is given to All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi. 16. Renowned Hindi scholar, literateur and playwright Mr. Surendra Verma is selected for the prestigious amman 2016. ahitya Akademi Awards are conferred on twenty-four writers in New Delhi. ‘The authors are conferred the awards for writing in different Indian languages. % British Phonographic Industry's annual pop music awards—The 2017 Brit Awards—are held at O2 Arena in London. David Bowie wins the British Male Solo Artist Award, while Emeli Sande wins the British Female Solo Actist Award. 25. World’s first robot table tennis tutor ‘FORPHEUS, in Japan, sets a new Guinness World Record for its uncanny ability of being able to play the game better than most humans. 26. The 2017 Academy Awards are handed out at a ceremony in Hollywood. Best Actor Award is bagged by Casey Affleck for ‘Manchester by the Sea’, whereas Best Actress Award goes to Emma Stone for ‘La La Land 27. Virat Kohli is named the ‘Captain of the Year’ at the 10th Annual ESPN Cricinfo Awards, Stuart Broad bags the “Test Bowling Performance of the Year’ award. 28. Singer Rihanna is conferred 2017 Peter J. Gomes Humanitarian of the Year Award for her charity work for building an Oncology centre at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Bridgetown, Barbados. = MARCH 2017 Sl 1. Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilisers Mr. Ananth Kumar presents the 7th National Awards for Technology Innovation in Petrochemicals and Downstream Plastics Processing Industry (2016-17) in New Delhi. The awards are presented to 16 winners. 6. Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi, wins the annual Visitor’s Awards for the Best University 2017. Hon’ble President Mr. Pranab Mukherjee presents the award at a function at Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi. SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY =m FEBRUARY 2017 Sl 11. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) says that it has indigenously developed Telemetry & Telecommand Processor (TCP) and its production will be initiated with the help of Indian industry. develop novel rubber like material nicknamed ‘thubber’ which has high thermal conductivity and clasti It is an electrically insulating compos material that exhibits an unprecedented (Continued on page 174) 22 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE TODAY, APRIL 2017Staff Selection Commission Stenographers (Grade ‘C’ & D’) Examination 2016 Question Paper (Fully Solved) ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND COMPREHENSION Directions (Qs. 1 to 10) : In these questions, some parts of the sentences have errors and some are correct. Find out which part of a sentence has an error and mark that part as your answer. If a sentence is free from error, then mark the part corresponding to “No Error”. 1. Wise men follow nobel (A)/ ideas whereas fools (B)/ disregard them. (C)/ No error. (D) 2. The navel officers (A)/ successfully fought the pirates (B)/ who had looted and plundered for many years. (C) / No error. (D) 3. He acted not (A)/ as per my advice (B)/ but somebody else. (C)/ No error. (D) 4. The chairs in the (A)/ room are in a (B)/ state disarray. (C)/ No error. (D) 5. Ashoka the Great was (A)/ regarded one of the greatest emperors @) / the world has ever produced. (C)/ No error. (D) 6. Will you please (A)/ give me little milk (B)/ for my cat? (C)/ No error. (D) 7. The light bulbs (A)/ on the hall (B)/ need to be changed. (C)/ No error. (D) A recent survey indicates (A)/ that the number of drug addicts (B)/ grew day by day. (©)/ No error. (D) 9. I want to exchange (A)/ my Maruti (B)/ from a Santro. (C)/ No error. (D) 10. There were extensive (A)/ lawn in front (B)/ of the bungalow. (C)/ No error. (D) Directions (Qs. If to 15): In these questions, sentences are given with blanks to be filled in with an appropriate word(s). Four alternatives are suggested for each question. Choose the most appropriate alternative out of the four. AL, The specialist you want to meet is available only on Thursdays. (A) whom (B) whose (© who (D) which 12. Do not look on women. (A) down (B) right (© left () up 23. 1 him on this point. (A) agreeing with (B) agreed with (© admitted to 14. The stranger the window last night. in through (A) creep (B) crept (©) creeping (D) creeps 15. They living here since 2000. (A) have been (B) are © will be (D) are still GENERAL KNOWLEDGE TODAY, APRIL 2017 23Directions (Qs. 16 to 20): In questions, out of the four alternatives, choose the one which best expresses the meaning of the given word. 16. Wander (A) Wrestle B) Gallop (©) Roam D) Race 17. Hesitate (A) Determine —_(B) Pause (© Settle 18. Consciousness (A) Understanding (B) Nothingness (© Awareness (D) Vision (D) Resolve 19. Calibre (A) Capacity (B) Calmness (Q Crowd ©) Career 20. Persuade (A) Hinder (B) Coax (© Restrain () Deter Directions (Qs. 21 to 25): In these questions, choose the word opposite in meaning to the given word. 21. Assent (A) Confusion (© SelEinterest (B) Dissent (D) Separation 22, Virtue (A) Vice (B) Untrue (© Defeat (D) Fool 23. Evasive (A) Indefinite (© Unclear 24. Relentless () Explicit (D) Categorical (A) Sensitive (B) Yielding (© Kind () Gentle 25. Hostility (A) Friendship (B) Partnership (©) Relationship _ (D) Enmity Directions (Qs. 26 to 30) : In these questions, four alternatives are given for the Idiom/Phrase underlined in the sentence. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of Idiom/Phrase. 24 26. Hold your tongue, my lad! I'll deal with you later. (A) Be silent (B) Cool the tongue (© Gargle (D) Stick out the tongue Be If you read his letter between the ou will find that he has no faith in oe colleague’s honesty. (A) read in secret (B) find out the inner meaning (© read an untidy letter (D) strain your ey 28. The lawyer + insisted on having the contract in (A) orally ®) figuratively (© obliquely (D) in writing 29. Our parents allowed us to watch films once in a blue moon. (A) rarely (B) secretly (© forever (D) everywhere 30. The teacher was taken aback by the student’s remark. (A) surprised (B) hurt (© pleased (D) annoyed Directions (Qs. 31 to 35) : In these questions, the first and the last parts of the sentence/passage are numbered 1 and 6. The rest of the sentence/passage is split into four parts and named P, Q, R and S. ‘These four parts are not given in their proper order. Read the sentence/ passage and find out which of the four combinations is correct. 31. Along with the orthodox Hindu’s and in the deity, Raghupati has his Brahmin’s pride faith in the scriptures because he is the lord of the temple. a) RPQS (B) RQPS (© SQPR (D) SPQR GENERAL KNOWLEDGE TODAY, APRIL 2017 Sy RON1. My grandmother was an old woman. P. But that was hard to believe. Q And she even had a husband. R. People said that she had once been young and pretty. S. She had been like this for the twenty years that I had known her. 6. She ofien told us of the games she used to play as a child. (A) QPSR (®) RSPQ (G RPQS (D) SRQP. 33. 1. It is the twilight hour. P. The sound breaks the still silence around me. Q I turn round and see her seated on a rock. R. I hear more bells behind me. S. The temple bell rings in the distance. 6. Her eyes sparkle like the anklets on her swinging feet. (A) SPRQ (B) SQPR (© RQSP (D) RSQP 34. 1. Use bright, cheerful, favourable words and phrases to describe other people. Make it P. forall your friends and associates. Q Be extremely careful Ro arule to have a big, positive word S. 6. to avoid the petty cut-him-down language. (A) RSPQ (B) RPQS () PQRS (© QRPS 35. 1 An officer in Andhra Pradesh P. found that the tribals put Q in turbid water R. who was in charge of tribal development S. certain gums and wood 6. to make the water clear. (A) PSRQ (B) PQSR (©) RPSQ ) RSPQ Directions (Qs. 36 to 45) : In these questions, a sentence has been given in Active/Passive Voice. Out of the four alternatives suggested, select the one which best expresses the same sentence in Passive /Active Voice and mark your answer accordingly. 36. Our parents have taught us to behave properly. (A) We were taught how not to behave properly by our parents. (B) Our parents taught us how to behave properly. (© Our parents have been teaching us how to behave properly. (D) We have been taught to behave properly by our parents. 37. Why did your father refuse such an honourable job? (A) Why does your father refused such an honourable job? (B) Why is such an honourable job refused by your father? (© Why was such an honourable job refused by your father? (D) Why was such an honourable job denied by your father? 38. James Cameron directed the ‘Titanic. (A) The Titanic was directed by James Cameron. (B) James Cameron had directed the “Titanic. (© James Cameron had been directing the Titanic. (D) The Titanic has been directed by James Cameron 39. Mr. Dutta teaches us English. (A) We are being taught English by Mr. Dutta. (B) By Mr. Dutta we are taught English, (© We have been taught English by Mr. Dutta (D) English is taught to us by Mr. Dutta. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE TODAY, APRIL 201740. Has the postman not delivered the letter? (A) Has the letter not been delivered by the postman? (B) Is the letter delivered by the postman? (© The postman hasn't delivered the letter. (D) Has the letter been delivered by the postman? AL. John is building a new cupboard. (A)'A new cupboard is being built by John. (B) ‘A new cupboard is been built by John. (© John’s new cupboard is being built (D) John has been building a new ‘cupboard. 42. Someone will pay you next Monday. (A) Someone will be paying you next Monday. (B) You will be paid next Monday. (C) Someone is going to pay you next Monday. (D) You would be paid next Monday. 43. Drinking was ruining his life gradually. (A) His life is ruined by gradual danking (8) Gradually, his life is ruined because of drinking problems. (© Drinking problems caused the gradual ruin of his life. (D) Flis life was being ruined gradually by drinking, ‘A small epitaph had been laid out by them in his memory. (A) They had laid out a small epitaph in his memory. (B) They were laying out, in his memory, a small epitaph. (© They lay out a small epitaph in his memory. (D) They laid out a small epitaph. 45. The nurse is giving food to the sick boy. (A) The sick boy gets food from the nurse. 26 (B) The sick boy is being given food by the nurse. (© Food is given to the sick boy by the nurse. (D) The sick boy is given food by the nurse. Directions (Qs. 46 to 55) :1n these questions, a part of the sentence is underlined. Below are given alternatives to the underlined part which may improve the sentence. Choose the correct alternative. In case no improvement is required, choose “No Improvement” option. 46. Will you lend me few rupees in this hour of need? (A) lend me any rupees (B) lend me a few rupees (© borrow me a few rupees (D) No improvement 47. The car with a burst tyre halted swiftly, (A) stopped fastly (B) jolted to a halt (© stopped quick (D) No improvement 48. Many incidents of the last month seem unimportant when viewed in perception. (A) perceptive (B) perspective (© prospective (D) No improvement 49. The youths jostled their way in the crowd. (A) through (B) among (© over (D) No improvement 50. What is wrong with the argument is that even if the two premises are true, then the conclusion isn’t necessarily true. (A) the conclusion is false (B) the conclusions aren't necessarily true (© the conclusion will be true (D) No improvement GENERAL KNOWLEDGE TODAY, APRIL 2017GATE - 2018 COURSE MATERIAL - QUESTION BANK - TEST SERIES- ONLINE TEST SERIES CSIR - UGC i JRF & L NET/SET- June - 17 / Dec - 17 | ¥ SUBJECTS : PHYSICS, CHEMISTRY, MATHEMATICS, STATISTICS & LIFE SCIENCE 4 ea OL Cees Ly Economics, Education, Electronic Science, English, #4 Geography, History, Home Science, Library & fF 6 PES CUE CUCL @ JRF & L NET/SET- JUNE-I7/DEC-17 FRAO SOT | GPAT 2018 JEE Vea.) ee ee ‘i ELITE /\ CADEMY Building Successful Careers... Since 1988 4104, Shouri Complex, 22/24 J. P. Road, Near Bombay Bazar, Andheri West, Mumbai - 400058 Tel : 022-66946440/39/29 Mail: info@eliteacademy.in Website: www.eliteacademy.in Contact clite@eliteacademyin51. He is entitled to a reward for honesty. (A) entitle to ©) entitled (© titled (D) No improvement 52. The sight chosen for the school building is good. (A) eye-sight (B) side (O site (D) No improvement 53. The matter must be considered in_every point of view. (A) at every (B) on evel (©) from every (D) No improvement 54. The poor villagers have waited in the bitter cold for more than two hours now. (A) had waited (B) have been waiting (© has been waiting (D No improvement 55. You must accustom yourself with new ideas. (A) accustom to (B) accustom yourself to (© accustomed with (D) No improvement Directions (Qs. 56 to 65) : In these questions, a sentence has been given in Direct/Indirect. Out of the four alternatives suggested, select the one which best expresses the same sentence in Indirect /Direct and mark your answer accordingly. 56. I asked him whether he had not promised to come. (A) I said to him, “Did you not promise to come?” (B) | said to him, “Do you not promise to come?” (© said, “Did ask you, not tocome?” (D) 1 asked him, “Did you come ? You promise.” 57. Rahul s “What have | you been searching for all these hou (A) Rahul asked me what I had been searching for all those hours. (B) Rahul asked what I have been searching for all those hours. (© Rahul said that what you had been searching for all these hours. (D) Rahul asked me what I was searching for all these days. 58. He said to the children, “Come to the park with me.” (A) He invited the children to come to the park with him. (B) | invited the children to come to the park with me. © Linvited the children to come to the park with us. (D) He invited the children to come to the park with me. 59. “I love chocolate,” said Angeline. (A) Angeline said that she loved chocolate. (B) Angeline said she loves chocolate (©) Angeline says she loved chocolate. (D) Angeline said that she loves chocolate. 60. “Do you know that man?” Ravi asked his friend. (A) Ravi ask his friend if he knows that man. (B) Ravi asked his friend whether he knew that man. (©) Ravi asked his friend whether he knows that man. (D) Ravi asked his friend he knew or not that man. 61. The teacher said, “ listen to my words.” (A) The students were told be quiet id listen to her words. (B) The teacher asked the students to be quiet and listen to her words. (© The teacher shouted students listen to my words and be quiet. (D) The teacher said to stop talking and listen to her words. ‘Be quiet and GENERAL KNOWLEDGE TODAY, APRIL 201762. He said that the book was very interesting, (A) He said, “This book has been very interesting.” (B) He said, This book had been very interesting,” (© He said, ‘This book would be very interesting,” (D) He said, “This book is very interesting.” 63. She said to him, “I have bought a new car.” (A) She told him that a new car has been bought by her. (B) She told him that she had bought a new car. (© She told him that she has bought a new car. (D) She told him that she would buy a new car. 64. He said to me, “You are late.” (A) He said to me that I was late. (B) He told me that I was late. (© He told me that you were la (D) He said to me that you were lai 65. I said to him, “You are wrong; (A) I told him that he was wrong, (B) I said that he was wrong, (C) I told him that he is wrong (D) I told him how wrong he was. Directions (Qs. 66 to 85) : In these questions, in the following two passages some of the words have been left out. Read the passages carefully and choose the correct answer to each question out of the four alternatives and fill in the blanks. Passage I How old is the Earth? This is a (...66...) to which we may never have 63 about the age of the times, and there were all kinds of m and (...70...) that seemed to have the answer, When it was proven that the Earth (...71...) around the Sun, then (..72...) knew where to begin. To find GENERAL KNOWLEDGE TODAY, APRIL 2017 the (...73...) of the Earth, it was necessary to (4.74...) how the solar system was (...75...) 66. (A) question (B) debate (©) fact (D) point 67. (A) logic @®) answer (© deduction — (D) reason 68. (A) marvelled (B) thought (©) asked (D) wondered 69. (A) bygone (B) olden (©) ancient (D) antiquated 7 (A) legends (B) fables (C) story (D) tale 1. (A) rotated ®) moved (© revolved (D) circled 72. (A) scholars (B) academicians (© students (D) scientists 2. (A) age @®) date (© oldness () years 74. (A) narrate @®) recount (©) explain ) tell 2. (A) originated ——(B) formed (©) begun (D) born Passage II One thing we can do is (..76...) a good book. Another is to look at a new (...77...) conducted by William Mercer, one of the world’s largest Human Resources consultancies. Mercer decided. to (...78...) some of the world’s great cities. They produced their results by giving (...79...) for (...80...) criteria. ‘These included political, economic and social environment, healthcare, educational provision, recreation and 28transport (...81...). So, which are the best cities to live in, and which should we (..82...)? In (...83...) first place were Vancouver, Berne, Vienna and Zurich, while Sydney, Geneva, Auckland and Copenhagen came in second. Swiss cities 84...) three of the top ten places, making it the single most successful country of all those (...85...) 76. (A) read (B) obtain (© retrieve (D) look 77. (A) research (B) consultation (© advice (D) survey 78. (A) decide (B) judge (© rule () proclaim 79. (A) spors (B) marks © places (D) signs a ranging (B) assorted (© different (D) various 81. (A) reasons (B) facilities (©) versions () ways (A) deny (B) regret © avoid (D) escape a dual (B) united © together (D) joint a controlled (B) absorbed (©) vacated () occupied 85. (A) surveyed (B) experimented (© established (D) created Directions (Qs. 86 to 100) : In these questions, you have three brief passages with 5 questions following each passage. Read the passages carefully and choose the best answer to each question out of the four alternatives. 30 Passage I The London Eye is a giant Ferris wheel situated on the banks of the River Thames in London, England. The entire structure is 135 metres (443 ft) tall and the wheel has a diameter of 120 metres (394 ft). It is the tallest Ferris wheel in Europe, and the most popular paid tourist attraction in the United Kingdom, visited by over 3-5 million people, annually. When erected in 1999 it was the tallest Ferris wheel in the world, until surpassed first by the 160 metres (520 ft) Star of Nanchang in 2006 and then the 165 metres (541 fi) Singapore Flyer in 2008. Supported by an A-frame on one side only, unlike the taller Nanchang and Singapore wheels, the Eye is described by its operators as “the world’s tallest cantilevered observation wheel”. It provides the highest public viewing point, and is the 20th tallest structure, in London. The London Eye, or Millennium Wheel, was officially called the British Airways London Eye and then the Merlin Entertainments London Eye. Since 20 January 2011, its official name is the EDF Energy London Eye following a three-year sponsorship deal. The London Eye adjoins the western end of Jubilee Gardens, on the South Bank of the River Thames between Westminster Bridge and Hungerford Bridge, in the London Borough of Lambeth. The site is adjacent to that of the former Dome of Discovery, which was built for the Festival of Britain in 1951 86. The structure built for the Festival of Britain in 1951 was (A) London Eye (B) Dome of Discovery (©) Jubilee Gardens (D) Millennium Wheel GENERAL KNOWLEDGE TODAY, APRIL 2017Mind Power Music - Raj Bapna’s Mind Power Memory & Concentration Study Techniques Now You can Improve Your sess no fi if) Memory and Concentration Just By Listening to MP3 Genius CD. Bd Uy www.amazon.in With 5000-year old Sri Yantra poster The Mind Power Music package contains: ‘ IBook - Awaken the Utimited Power of for concentration. Your Subconscious Mind. Pages: 248 2. Genius MP3 CD. 3, Sri Yantra Poster for concentration. Discount Price: Rs 680/- (For Both the Courses) Advanced Spoken English & Phonetics’ (Book + 4 MP3 CDs) Also available at Oz Sas Memory Maps for Physics is 100-page Free postage by Speed Post / Courier. course with 33 chapters in Physics. ‘You can order online at www. MindPowerlndia,¢é You wet Memory Maps for Physics ‘Or, goto yourbenk orpostolfioeandeead eMO or DD in the of F ernational payable at Udaipur (Rajasthan) Director, Franklin International ‘Above Bapna Eye Hospital 59, Sector - 4, Udaipur (Rajasthan) 313002 Phone: (0294) 2464305 Mobile: 098282 9368787. The tallest Ferris wheel in the world is (A) Singapore Flyer (B) Dome of Discovery (C) London Eye (D) Star of Nanchang 88. The London Eye is situated on the banks of (A) Hungerford Bridge (B) The Thames (© London Borough (D) Westminster Bridge 89. Which of the following does not mean the same as ‘entire’? (A) Total (B) Partial (© Whole (D) Complete 90. The highest viewing point is provided by (A) Hungerford Bridge (B) Dome of Discovery (© Millennium Wheel (D) Westminster Bridge Passage II Not all that glitters is gold. Not all that is white is milk, Not all people who wear saffron clothes are sages. These age- old sayings hold true even now, especially the last one. We see a lot of people wearing saffron clothes, but not all of them are sanyasisin the true sense of the word A sanyasi is one who guides his followers on the right path Recently, I attended the inaugural function of a home for destitute women, in Mysore. In most cases, the women were there because they were either harassed by their in-laws or tortured by drunken husbands. Owing to their socio- economic conditions, even the parents of the victims were unable to take them in and care for their hapless children. There had also been instances when, young girls, lured by romance, had run away from their homes and had been deserted by their lovers after the honeymoon. These gitls usually did not dare return to their parents. The saying that ‘success has many fathers, but failure has none’ is true indeed. We get to see only the distressed women and their children, while the main cause of their problems remains hidden in the background. So the victims cannot be blamed altogether. Often it is circumstances that force them into such drudgery. These women and girls need to be psychologically strong and determined to face difficulties with courage and go on with their lives. 91. The main reason for the main cause of their problems remaining hidden is. (A) People are waiting for it to come out in the open (B) People don't want to be bothered vith others’ problems (Q Nobody has tried to expose it (D) Nobody has bothered to find out the real cause 92. The opening sentence “Not all that glitters is gold” means (A) One must not be deceived by appearances (B) Only gold has that unmistakable shine (© Glitter is the true quality of truth (D) All metals that shine must necessarily be as good as gold 93. Wearing saffron clothes does not make one a sapasi, is another way of saying (A) Saffron is not the favourite colour of the sanyasis (B) Saffron must be changed to some other colour (© Anybody who wears saffron is a sanyasi (D) Saffron must only be worn by true ascetics 32 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE TODAY, APRIL 2017